Shawn Oliver, former Massachusetts Lt. Gov. candidate charged in drunk driving crash, pleads not guilty

Shawn Oliver, a Republican who suspended his campaign for Massachusetts lieutenant governor following an alleged drunk driving crash over the weekend, was released after his first court appearance. 

Oliver appeared briefly in New Bedford District Court Monday morning, a day after he was arrested. He's charged with operating under the influence of liquor, negligent operation of a motor vehicle, marked lanes violation and speeding.

A not guilty plea was entered on the New Bedford City Councilor's behalf. The judge released him on personal recognizance, noting that if Oliver is arrested on any new charges that status can be revoked. He's due back in court on Nov. 16.

Oliver did not answer questions from reporters while leaving court. His attorney declined to speak after Oliver's arraignment.

Police said Oliver was driving drunk when he crashed into parked cars and flipped his SUV around 11:40 p.m. Saturday on Dartmouth Street in New Bedford. He was taken to the hospital for treatment, then arrested.

Oliver is currently on the Republican ballot for lieutenant governor as a running mate of gubernatorial candidate Mike Minogue.

Following Oliver's arrest, Minogue called for him to suspend his campaign and said that if he's elected governor he would ask Oliver to resign. A short time later, Oliver announced he was ending his campaign.

"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," Oliver said in a statement Sunday.

The Massachusetts Sec. of State's office said that candidates who were nominated in the state primary had until Sept. 4 to withdraw from the ballot, and as a result all ballots have been printed. Nearly 300,000 Massachusetts voters have already cast their ballots.

"It is not possible to withdraw from the ballot at this late state," a spokesperson for Sec. of State William Galvin said. "If elected, a candidate has a choice whether or not to take the oath of office. Were someone to be elected and decline to take the oath, there is no procedure in the Massachusetts Constitution to fill a vacancy in the office of lieutenant governor."

A spokesperson for incumbent Democrat Maura Healey, who is running for governor alongside current Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll, declined comment on Oliver's arrest.

Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3.