Shawn Oliver, a New Bedford City Council member and Republican candidate for Massachusetts lieutenant governor, was arrested on several charges after an alleged drunk driving crash late Saturday night. Following Oliver’s arrest, Republican candidate for governor Mike Minogue is calling for him to exit the race.
It happened around 11:40 p.m. on Dartmouth Street in New Bedford.
Police said Oliver’s SUV flipped over and slammed into multiple parked cars. In total, five cars were involved and two were heavily damaged.
Oliver was taken to St. Luke’s Hospital for treatment. Police said that after an investigation at the scene of the crash and the hospital, Oliver was arrested.
He is charged with operating under the influence of liquor, negligent operation of a motor vehicle, marked lanes violation and speeding.
Oliver, who represents Ward 3 on the New Bedford City Council, is running for lieutenant governor on the Republican ticket with Minogue.
Minogue released a statement Sunday, calling for Oliver to suspend his campaign.
“I am extremely disappointed. Shawn is lucky to be alive and lucky that no one innocent was 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 when elected, I will formally ask for his resignation. Shawn is a father and grandfather, and he needs to put his family first. He needs to do the work to ensure this never happens again. If he needs help with that, I will help him.”
Amy Carnevale, chairwoman of the Massachusetts Republican Party, also issued a statement.
“We just learned of the car accident involving Shawn Oliver. We are awaiting additional information as everyone else,” Carnevale said.
New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell, a Democrat, asked for Oliver to address his arrest publicaly.
“This morning, I was made aware that City Councilor Shawn Oliver was involved in a car accident in the South End and taken into custody. I’m grateful to the New Bedford Police Department for their prompt response and relieved that no one was seriously injured,” the mayor said. “The allegations against Councilor Oliver are deeply concerning, and the public deserves to hear his explanation of what happened.”
Minogue and Oliver are running as the Republican ticket for governor and lieutenant governor against incumbent Democrats Maura Healey and Kim Driscoll.
A spokesperson for Healey said they do not have any comment at this time.
Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3.