(BONFIELD, ON) - A traffic complaint from an off-duty OPP officer led to impaired driving charges following a collision on Highway 17.
On Thursday, October 30, 2025, at approximately 7:15 pm, the North Bay OPP responded to a report from an off-duty officer who observed a suspected impaired driver swerving and nearly entering the ditch while travelling eastbound on Highway 17 toward Mattawa. Approximately 15 minutes later, the same vehicle rear-ended another in Bonfield Township.
Officers arrived at the scene and determined the driver had consumed an intoxicating substance. The individual was arrested and transported to the North Bay OPP detachment for further testing.
As a result of the investigation, Edgar DESJARDINS, 56 years-of-age from North Bay, has been charged with:
- Operation while impaired - drugs
- Follow too closely
The accused was released from custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice on December 16, 2025, in North Bay. Additionally, they received a 90-day Administrative Driver’s Licence Suspension (ADLS), and the vehicle was impounded for seven days.
If you see dangerous driving, speak up. Reporting suspected impaired drivers can prevent collisions and save lives.