(DUFFERIN COUNTY) – Members of the Dufferin Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have charged several individuals with impaired operation-related offences following multiple incidents across Dufferin County.
On December 24, 2025, shortly before 2:30 a.m., Dufferin OPP officers received a report of a suspicious vehicle in the area of Anishinaabe Drive in the Town of Shelburne. Officers attended the location and located the vehicle shortly thereafter. A traffic stop was conducted, and following an interaction with the driver, officers initiated an impaired driving investigation.
Avinash SHIVRATAN, a 27-year-old male from Orangeville, has been charged with the following offences:
- Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)
- Operate a motor vehicle without insurance
On December 25, 2025, just after 11:00 p.m., Dufferin OPP officers were conducting a R.I.D.E. spot check in the area of Broadway in the Town of Orangeville. A vehicle entered the checkpoint and, following a brief interaction with officers, an impaired driving investigation was initiated.
Robert FISHER, a 53-year-old male from Dundalk, has been charged with the following offences:
- Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)
- Operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs
On December 28, 2025, shortly after 4:00 p.m., Dufferin OPP officers were dispatched to the area of County Road 16 in the Town of Mono for a vehicle in the ditch. Officers attended the location and, while speaking with the driver, initiated an impaired driving investigation.
Michael PAQUETE, a 31-year-old male from Orangeville, has been charged with the following offences:
- Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)
- Driving a motor vehicle with an open container of liquor
On December 31, 2025, just before 6:45 p.m., Dufferin OPP officers were conducting general patrol when they observed a vehicle travelling in the wrong lane and in the wrong direction on Highway 89 in the Township of Melancthon. Officers conducted a traffic stop and spoke with the driver. As a result of the interaction, officers initiated an impaired driving investigation.
Ramanan NADESU, a 44-year-old male from Shelburne, has been charged with the following offence:
- Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)
On January 3, 2026, just after 11:30 a.m., Dufferin OPP officers were dispatched to the area of East-West Garafraxa Townline for a report of a vehicle in the ditch. Officers attended the scene and spoke with the driver. As a result of the interaction, officers initiated an impaired driving investigation.
David MORRIS, a 58-year-old male from Guelph, has been charged with the following offence:
- Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)
The accused individuals are scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Orangeville. As a result of the incident, the driver’s licences were suspended for 90 days, and the vehicles were impounded for seven days.
The Dufferin OPP reminds motorists to plan ahead if consuming alcohol or drugs. Use a designated driver, taxi, rideshare service, public transit, or arrange to stay overnight. Any amount of alcohol or drugs can impair judgment and reaction time. In a split second, impaired driving can result in life-altering consequences for yourself and others.
Members of the Dufferin OPP remain committed to public safety through proactive and innovative policing in partnership with our communities. If you suspect someone is driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs, call 9-1-1. To report suspected unlawful activity, contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or www.crimestopperssdm.com.
