Massachusetts GOP lieutenant governor candidate suspends campaign after arrest in car crash

New Bedford, Massachusetts (AP) - The Republican candidate for lieutenant governor in Massachusetts, Shawn Oliver, has suspended his campaign in the wake of his arrest for suspected drunk driving. Oliver, a city councilor and corrections officer, announced his decision on X, stating that "the election is too important to be overshadowed by personal matters."

His running mate and Republican gubernatorial candidate, Mike Minogue, had previously requested Oliver's immediate suspension, expressing his disappointment in the alleged DUI incident. Police stated that Oliver was arrested following a car crash on Saturday night, which involved multiple parked vehicles and resulted in him turning over.

The 42-year-old sustained injuries and was taken to the hospital before being arrested on charges of operating under the influence, negligent operation, lane violation, and speeding. New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell, a Democrat, expressed deep concern over the allegations against Oliver and urged him to address the situation publicly.