NEW BEDFORD, Mass. —
Republican candidate for Lieutenant Governor Shawn Oliver was arrested Sunday morning on charges of driving under the influence of liquor in New Bedford, Massachusetts, the city’s police department and mayor’s office confirmed.
Oliver, 42, is running alongside businessman Mike Minogue, who is challenging incumbent Gov. Maura Healey in the Massachusetts gubernatorial race.
According to the New Bedford Police Department, officers arrived at 448 Dartmouth St. at 11:40 p.m. after receiving a report of a crash involving a car that overturned after hitting several other parked vehicles.
After an investigation at the crash scene, the driver of the car, Oliver, was arrested and charged with operating under the influence of liquor, negligent operation of a motor vehicle, a marked lanes violation, and speeding.
Oliver was taken to St. Luke’s Hospital to be treated for his injuries.
Shortly after the arrest was confirmed, Minogue announced that he asked Oliver to suspend his campaign for lieutenant governor.
“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. After speaking with Shawn, I am asking him to suspend his campaign immediately, and when elected, I will formally ask for his resignation,” Minogue said. “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.”
Chairwoman of the Massachusetts Republican Party, Amy Carnevale, also released a statement on Oliver’s arrest:
“We just learned of the car accident involving Shawn Oliver. We are awaiting additional information as everyone else,” Carnevale wrote.
According to Oliver’s campaign website, he was born and raised in New Bedford and has served as a corrections officer since 2013.
Oliver was elected to the New Bedford City Council in 2023, his website reads.
Oliver’s arrest comes just two weeks before Massachusetts voters head to the polls on Election Day, Nov. 3.
NewsCenter 5 will continue to provide updates on Oliver’s arrest as we learn more information.