SHAWN OLIVER DENIES DRINK-DRIVING CHARGE

Shawn Oliver, a New Bedford city councillor and Republican candidate for Massachusetts lieutenant governor, pleaded not guilty on Monday to operating under the influence of alcohol and three other motoring charges. New Bedford police arrested him after a crash on Dartmouth Street at about 11.40pm on Saturday. Police spokesperson Holly Huntoon said the crash damaged five vehicles, including two with “extensive damage”. Oliver’s vehicle overturned, and he received treatment for injuries at St Luke’s Hospital before police arrested him. He suspended his campaign on Sunday after leaving Ash Street Jail in New Bedford.

At New Bedford District Court, Oliver also denied negligent operation of a motor vehicle, speeding and a marked lanes violation. Officers reported that Oliver told them he had been drinking and that one officer saw him vomit at the hospital. Witnesses told police they had seen Oliver stop at a green light, then accelerate and crash. Officer Orlando Franco described Oliver’s black Lincoln Navigator upside down on Dartmouth Street and a damaged Toyota Camry pushed across the pavement onto grass. Oliver told a journalist, “I have no comment at this time.”

The court released Oliver without bail on the condition that he does not drive while the case remains pending. His next court date is 16 November. Voting has already begun in the Massachusetts election, with Oliver on the ballot as the running mate of Republican governor candidate Mike Minogue. Minogue said on Sunday that he would ask Oliver to resign if elected. Massachusetts Department of Correction spokesperson Scott Croteau said Oliver had been placed on restricted duty at the Massachusetts Treatment Centre while officials reviewed the circumstances.