(DUFFERIN COUNTY) – The Dufferin Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has charged a driver following an incident involving a RIDE (Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere) stop in the Town of Shelburne.
On January 5, 2026, shortly after 2:00 a.m., Dufferin OPP officers were conducting a RIDE program on Highway 10 at Col. Phillips Drive in the Town of Shelburne when a vehicle failed to stop and fled the area. The vehicle was subsequently located and stopped by police.
Sukhwinder DHUGA, a 44-year-old male from Melancthon, has been charged with the following offences:
• Operation while prohibited under the Criminal Code (two counts)
• Fail to surrender suspended, revoked, or cancelled licence
• Fail to surrender insurance card
The accused individual is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Orangeville. As a result of the incident, the driver’s licence will continue to be suspended, and the vehicle was impounded for 45 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 online at www.crimestopperssdm.com.
