A Toronto police detective has admitted to impaired driving and fleeing officers following an incident in July 2024 that occurred while he was still considered on duty.
Det.-Const. Brian Sukhram, who worked in plainclothes with the drug squad, had just completed assisting with a search warrant before returning to the office and drinking alcohol. After later buying food for colleagues and continuing to drink, he drove home but crashed into a construction site, heavily damaging his vehicle. He left the scene and continued driving while impaired.
An ambulance driver noticed his erratic behaviour and contacted authorities. Police attempted to stop him, but he failed to comply, drove dangerously, went the wrong way, and ran red lights. Officers eventually boxed him in, though not before he collided with police vehicles and caused minor injuries to officers. His blood alcohol level was recorded at more than twice the legal limit.
He originally faced multiple charges, including dangerous driving, failing to remain at an accident, and drug trafficking offences. He has now pleaded guilty to impaired driving and fleeing police, while the drug-related charges will be addressed separately.
Prosecutors have indicated they may seek a custodial sentence. Sukhram, a veteran officer with over 15 years of service and extensive experience in undercover drug operations, has already been suspended without pay under Ontario’s updated policing legislation.
Court records also highlight the personal strain of his role, noting he struggled with stress and alcohol use while managing a heavy workload. The case is scheduled to return to court in mid-June.