Shawn Oliver, the Republican candidate for lieutenant governor of Massachusetts, has suspended his campaign after being arrested Saturday night on OUI charges.

 

Oliver, a current member of the New Bedford City Council, had faced calls to drop out after the arrest was made public, including from Mike Minogue, the GOP candidate for governor.

 

“After careful reflection, I have made the decision to suspend my campaign for lieutenant governor,” Oliver said. “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.

 

Those who live near the crash scene said they had never seen anything like that happen on their street before.

 

“It was like a tornado came through,” witness Dilan Machado said. “Car parts everywhere, just everything smashed up. People’s faces were just in shock, and one girl was even in tears.”

 

“It felt like I was in a movie,” Bruna Andrade said. “I’ve never seen anything like that in my life in person.”

 

Massachusetts Republican Party Chair Amy Carnevale released a statement saying the party supports Oliver’s decision to suspend his campaign.

 

“Lives were put at risk and that is never acceptable,” Carnevale said. “We now stand to assist Shawn in getting any help he needs to ensure he never puts himself or others in harm’s way again. We also recognize that Shawn Oliver is holding himself accountable for his actions and facing the consequences of this situation.”