Massachusetts GOP Lt. Governor candidate Shawn Oliver arrested for drink-driving after crash

Republican Shawn Oliver suspended his Massachusetts lieutenant governor campaign after being arrested on OUI charges following a late-night crash involving five parked vehicles.

Republican lieutenant governor hopeful quits race after drunk-driving arrest in New Bedford

Shawn Oliver, the Republican nominee for lieutenant governor of Massachusetts and a New Bedford City Council member, was arrested on drunken driving charges following a late-night crash on Saturday that overturned his vehicle and damaged five parked cars, New Bedford police said, as reported by nbcnews.com.

The incident occurred at approximately 11:40 p.m. near a shopping plaza on Dartmouth Street. Oliver's vehicle struck five parked cars, two of which sustained extensive damage, before overturning. He was transported to St. Luke's Hospital for treatment and subsequently arrested.

Oliver faces charges of operating under the influence of liquor, negligent operation of a motor vehicle, a marked lanes violation and speeding.

On Sunday, Oliver announced the suspension of his campaign. "After careful reflection, I have made the decision to suspend my campaign for Lieutenant Governor," he said in a statement. "This election is too important to be overshadowed by personal matters. I want to sincerely thank everyone who has supported me throughout this journey and ask that my family's privacy be respected during this difficult time."

The suspension followed a public call from his running mate, Republican gubernatorial candidate Mike Minogue, who said he was "extremely disappointed" and urged 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 in a statement. He added that he had spoken with Oliver and that "he needs to put his family first," pledging help to ensure Oliver does not face another such incident.

New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell, a Democrat, said he was informed of the incident on Sunday morning and described the allegations as "deeply concerning." Mitchell added: "The public deserves to hear his explanation of what happened."

Amy Carnevale, chair of the Massachusetts Republican Party, said in a statement Sunday morning: "We just learned of the car accident involving Shawn Oliver. We are awaiting additional information as everyone else."

It was not immediately clear whether Oliver had retained an attorney to speak to the charges.

Source: Google News MT