Massachusetts Republican lieutenant governor candidate suspends campaign after OUI arrest

A candidate for lieutenant governor of Massachusetts, Republican Shawn Oliver, was arrested on drunken driving charges after a crash late Saturday that left several parked vehicles damaged and his own overturned, police said.

On Sunday, Oliver, a city councilor in New Bedford, announced he was suspending his campaign, as his running mate, Mike Minogue, had called for him to do.

“After careful reflection, I have made the decision to suspend my campaign for Lieutenant Governor,” Oliver 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.”

He faces charges of operating under the influence of liquor, negligent operation of a motor vehicle, a marked lanes violation and speeding, New Bedford police said Sunday.

They said Oliver’s vehicle overturned after hitting five parked vehicles, two of which were extensively damaged, near a shopping plaza on Dartmouth Street about 11:40 p.m. The candidate was taken to St. Luke’s Hospital to be treated and was later arrested.

It wasn’t immediately clear if Oliver had an attorney who could speak to the charges.

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Original source: https://www.nbcnews.com/business