Police Respond to Ditch Crash on Highway 11-17, Alcohol Impairment Suspected
(THUNDER BAY, ON) – A late-night crash on February 2, 2025, resulted in criminal charges for a Thunder Bay driver after police determined alcohol impairment was a factor.
Shortly after 10:00 p.m., officers from the Thunder Bay Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to a report of a single vehicle that had veered off the road into the ditch near the Balsam off-ramp along Highway 11-17.
Upon investigation, police suspected the driver had consumed alcohol and administered an Approved Screening Device (ASD) test, which the driver failed. The individual was arrested and taken to the Thunder Bay Detachment for further breath testing.
Officers also seized an open bottle of Banff Ice Vodka found near the driver’s side door.
Charges Laid Against 40-Year-Old Thunder Bay Woman
Melanie WAKEFIELD, 40, of Thunder Bay, has been charged with:
- Operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs
- Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)
As a result, her driver’s licence was suspended, and her vehicle was impounded.
WAKEFIELD is scheduled to appear in the Thunder Bay Ontario Court of Justice on March 12, 2025, to respond to the charges.
OPP Urges Public to Report Impaired Drivers
The OPP continues efforts to remove impaired drivers from the roads through enforcement and public education. Authorities urge residents to call 9-1-1 immediately if they suspect someone is driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
