Massachusetts GOP lieutenant governor pick Shawn Oliver ends campaign after arrest
Shawn Oliver, the Republican pick for lieutenant governor in Massachusetts, suspended his campaign Sunday after his arrest. Police said his car hit five parked cars and flipped in New Bedford late Saturday. He was charged with operating under the influence of liquor.
Shawn Oliver, the Republican nominee for lieutenant governor of Massachusetts, suspended his campaign on Sunday after he was arrested following a crash late Saturday, NBC News and Fox News reported.
Officers responded around 11:40 p.m. Saturday to Dartmouth Street in New Bedford, where a car had overturned after hitting five parked vehicles, police said, according to NBC News and Fox News. Two of the parked vehicles were badly damaged. Police said Oliver, the driver, was taken to St. Luke's Hospital for treatment and was later arrested.
Oliver, a New Bedford city councilor, faces charges of operating under the influence of liquor, negligent operation of a motor vehicle, a marked lanes violation and speeding, police said, NBC News and Fox News reported.
"After careful reflection, I have made the decision to suspend my campaign for Lieutenant Governor," Oliver said in a statement, NBC News reported. "This election is too important to be overshadowed by personal matters."
Mike Minogue, the Republican nominee for governor, had called on Oliver to step aside. "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, NBC News and Fox News reported. Fox News reported that Minogue also said he would ask for Oliver's resignation if elected.
New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell called the allegations "deeply concerning" and said "the public deserves to hear his explanation of what happened," NBC News and Fox News reported.
The Massachusetts Department of Correction, where Oliver works, said he has been placed on restricted work duty while the facts are reviewed, Fox News reported. Amy Carnevale, the state Republican Party chair, said the party was "awaiting additional information," NBC News reported. NBC News said it was not clear whether Oliver had a lawyer who could speak about the charges.
Minogue is challenging Democratic Gov. Maura Healey, and Democratic Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll is seeking another term in the November election, Fox News reported.
What we know: Oliver suspended his campaign after his arrest on charges including operating under the influence.
What we don't: How the Republican ticket will handle the open spot on the ballot.
Where outlets agree NBC News and Fox News both report, citing New Bedford police, that Oliver was arrested after his car overturned after hitting five parked vehicles, that he faces an operating under the influence charge and that he suspended his campaign Sunday.
Where they differ The cited reports agree on the key facts so far.