(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 January 6, 2026, shortly before 9:00 p.m., Dufferin OPP officers received a report of a motor vehicle collision that had occurred earlier that evening. Both drivers involved attended the Orangeville Detachment to speak with officers. After speaking with both drivers, officers observed signs of impairment during their interaction with one of the drivers and subsequently initiated an impaired driving investigation.
Ankitkumar PATEL, a 38-year-old male from Shelburne, has been charged with the following offences:
- Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)
- Failure or refusal to comply with demand
On January 9, 2026, just before 7:45 p.m., Dufferin OPP officers received a traffic complaint in the area of County Road 109 in the Township of East Garafraxa. Officers conducted patrols in the area and subsequently located the vehicle on Riddell Road in the Town of Orangeville. A traffic stop was initiated, and following a brief interaction with the driver, officers commenced an impaired driving investigation.
Kuljit SAHOTA, a 39-year-old male from Brampton, has been charged with the following offences:
- Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)
On January 12, 2026, shortly after 3:15 p.m., Dufferin OPP officers were dispatched to the area of Broadway in response to a report of a motor vehicle collision that had occurred in a parking lot. Upon arrival, officers were informed that the other driver was possibly impaired by alcohol. Following an interaction with the driver, officers initiated an impaired driving investigation.
Dylan LAFLEUR, a 24-year-old male from Guelph, has been charged with the following offences:
- Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)
- Driving motor vehicle with liquor readily available
The accused individuals are scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Orangeville. As a result of the incidents, the drivers’ 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.
