Ottawa Driver Charged After Highway 401 Collision

A 34-year-old Ottawa driver, Romolo Balestra, faces multiple charges following a single-vehicle collision on Highway 401 near Shannonville Road early on January 8, 2025. The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) found a heavily damaged vehicle unattended and later located Balestra after a nearby call. He has been charged with impaired operation, dangerous operation, failing to remain at the scene, and two counts of failing to comply with a release order. His driver's license was suspended for 90 days, and the vehicle was impounded. Balestra is currently in custody awaiting a bail hearing. In a separate incident, a 33-year-old driver in Lambton County was charged with careless driving after a two-vehicle collision, resulting in minor injuries to one driver.