North Bay man charged with 17 offences after hitting cruiser, fleeing police

A North Bay man faces 17 charges after fleeing police on Highway 17 and crashing into a cruiser before being arrested on Tomiko Lake Road.

A North Bay man who was on probation is facing several drug and weapons charges following an incident Oct. 22 on Highway 17.

Police attempted to stop him around 2 p.m. just west of North Bay as part of an ongoing investigation.

“The driver failed to stop and struck a stationary OPP cruiser as officers attempted to block the highway,” police said in a news release Friday.

“The vehicle was later reported driving dangerously through a hospital parking lot and again on Highway 11 north of North Bay.”

Drugs, weapons

Police were able to locate the vehicle on Tomiko Lake Road in Merrick Township, “where it had sustained damage after leaving the roadway,” the release said.

“Upon police approach, the driver attempted to flee and was subsequently taken into custody.”

A search uncovered drugs believed to be clonazepam pills and crystal methamphetamine. Police also seized brass knuckles, bear spray, a large amount of cash, a scale and packaging materials “consistent with drug trafficking.”

The 38-year-old from North Bay has been charged with 17 offences, including multiple weapons charges, fleeing police, obstructing police, dangerous driving, drug trafficking, violating probation and possession of property obtained by crime.

The accused remains in custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice on Oct. 29 in North Bay.