A routine traffic stop turned into a pursuit along Highway 11 when a suspected impaired driver refused to pull over for the OPP twice

Police say a man was under the influence of alcohol when he led officers on a chase along Highway 11 before being apprehended south of North Bay.

The North Bay OPP have charged a driver with impaired and multiple other offences after the vehicle failed to stop for police on two occasions along Highway 11 between Burk’s Falls and North Bay.

On Friday, December 26, at 8:20 a.m., officers tried to stop a vehicle on Highway 11 in Burk’s Falls for a Highway Traffic Act offence. The driver did not stop.

A second attempt was made in South River, but the vehicle continued northbound. The North Bay OPP successfully stopped the vehicle just south of North Bay on Highway 11.

Officers determined the driver had consumed alcohol and was arrested and taken to the North Bay OPP detachment for further testing.

Ashiraf Lukabwe, 27, of Dufferin, is charged with:


Operation while impaired – alcohol
Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)
Two counts of flight from a peace officer 
Novice driver – B.A.C. above zero

The accused was released from custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice on January 20, 2026, in North Bay.

Additionally, they received a 90-day Administrative Driver’s Licence Suspension, and the vehicle was impounded for seven days.