Minogue had already demanded Oliver suspend his campaign
Republican Shawn Oliver, the running mate of Massachusetts GOP gubernatorial candidate Mike Minogue, suspended his campaign for lieutenant governor on Sunday after police arrested him in connection with a late-Saturday crash in New Bedford that damaged four parked cars and an overturned vehicle.
The suspension leaves Minogue without a running mate less than three weeks before the state’s Nov. 3 general election.
Oliver, 42, a city councilor in New Bedford, was hospitalized for treatment of injuries, placed under arrest and charged with negligent operation of a motor vehicle, speeding and a marked-lanes violation, according to New Bedford Police spokeswoman Holly Huntoon. Police alleged Oliver was involved in a crash and was arrested on drunk driving charges.
Huntoon said in a statement issued to media outlets that officers responded to a crash involving four parked cars and another vehicle that was found overturned on a city street. The incident caused “extensive damage,” Huntoon said.
GOP gubernatorial candidate Minogue said earlier Sunday he had already called for Oliver to step down.
“I am extremely disappointed,” Minogue said in a social media post. “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 Oliver, “I am asking him to suspend his campaign immediately, and when elected, I will formally ask for his resignation,” Minogue said.
In his own statement, Oliver said: “After careful consideration, I have made the decision to suspend my campaign for lieutenant governor.”
“This election is too important to be overshadowed by personal matters,” Oliver added. “I want to sincerely thank everyone who supported me throughout this journey and ask that my family’s privacy be respected during this difficult time.”
Bristol County, Mass., Sheriff Paul Heroux told State House News Service Oliver is to be arraigned Monday.