Republican candidate for lieutenant governor Shawn Oliver was arrested for drunk driving after allegedly crashing into several parked vehicles Saturday evening in New Bedford.
The accusations come just over two weeks before the highly anticipated general election, where Oliver’s name remains on the ballot.
Oliver, also a New Bedford city councilman and Bristol County corrections officer, was released from Ash Street Jail, the local holding facility for the Bristol County Sheriff’s Office, on Sunday morning and went straight to his home a few miles away.
The Herald met Oliver’s wife outside his home, who said he was sleeping at the time and was “very hurt” by the situation, but declined further comment.
Meanwhile, Oliver’s running mate and GOP candidate for governor, Mike Minogue, tells the Herald he is calling on Oliver to suspend his campaign immediately.
“I’m extremely disappointed. Shawn is lucky to be alive and fortunate that no innocent people were hurt. There is no excuse for driving under the influence,” Minogue said.
“After speaking with Shawn, I am asking him to suspend his campaign immediately, and once elected, I will formally request his resignation. Shawn is a father and grandfather, and he must put his family first. He must do the work to make sure this never happens again. If he needs help, I will help him,” he said.
Independent local media outlet New Bedford Live captured the scene of Oliver’s fiery crash, where it appears he crossed the road and hit a parked car head-on before flipping his own car and hitting several other vehicles in the process.
“We just learned of the car accident involving Shawn Oliver. We are awaiting additional information like everyone else,” said Amy Carnevale, chairwoman of MassGOP.
YES’s crash comes just 17 days before Oliver and Minogue face Democratic Gov. Maura Healey and Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll in the Nov. 3 general election, and after two spirited debates from Minogue.
The Herald has asked New Bedford police for the police report and other relevant facts regarding Oliver’s alleged OUI accident.
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