(NORTH BAY, ON) – The North Bay Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have charged two drivers with impaired driving and numerous other offences after a collision in North Bay.
On Saturday, January 3, 2026, at approximately 4:20 p.m., the North Bay OPP, along with Emergency Medical Services (EMS), responded to a report of a single vehicle collision into a snowbank on Highway 17 near Bayview Road in the City of North Bay.
During the investigation, police learned that after the collision, the driver and passenger of the involved vehicle switched places and continued driving eastbound on Highway 17. The vehicle was located on Highway 531 in the Township of Bonfield.
As a result of the investigation, Iyan BIRCH, 40 years-of-age of Bonfield Township, was charged with:
- Operation while impaired – drug
- Failure or refusal to comply with demand
- Operation while prohibited under the criminal code – two counts
Additionally, Annmarie MELO, 49 years-of-age of Bonfield Township, was charged with:
- Operation while impaired – drug
Both accused individuals were released from custody and are scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in February of 2026, in North Bay. Additionally, they received a 90-day Administrative Driver’s Licence Suspension (ADLS), and the vehicle was impounded for 45 days.
If you suspect that someone is driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs, it is important to call 9-1-1 to report it.
