(EAST FERRIS) – A driver has been charged after the North Bay Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) investigated a vehicle found in a ditch and later observed the same vehicle driving away from the collision site in East Ferris Township.
On Friday, February 13, 2026, at approximately 3:20 p.m., the North Bay OPP received a report of a vehicle in the ditch on Hillcrest Road. When officers arrived, the vehicle was located; however, the driver was not present.
A short time later, while officers were still investigating, the vehicle was pulled out and was seen travelling westbound on Hillcrest Road, away from the scene. Police conducted a traffic stop and spoke with the driver. Officers determined that alcohol was a factor, and the driver was arrested and transported to the North Bay OPP detachment for further testing.
As a result of the investigation, John GOODERHAM-BELANGER, 29 years of age, of East Ferris, has been charged with:
· Operation while impaired – alcohol
· Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)
The accused was released from custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in North Bay on March 17, 2026. The driver was also issued a 90‑day Administrative Driver’s Licence Suspension (ADLS), and the vehicle was impounded for seven days.
Road safety is a shared responsibility. The OPP encourages everyone to make responsible choices behind the wheel and to report dangerous driving behaviours whenever they are observed.