A YouTube personality known for his high-speed driving videos in New York City, who goes by the online moniker “Squeeze.benz,” has been apprehended in connection with a series of burglaries across New Jersey. This arrest comes just months after a previous charge for assault in Queens, adding a serious turn to the influencer’s controversial public image.
Antonio Ginestri, 19, the individual behind the “Squeeze.benz” persona with a million followers across Instagram and YouTube, was charged on Tuesday with multiple counts of burglary and conspiracy. The charges stem from incidents dating back to February, according to Fairfield police.
The investigation began when Fairfield officers responded to a reported burglary at a Speedway gas station on Route 46 East in the early hours of February 6th. Security footage from the scene captured a gray SUV speeding away from the location, carrying three individuals.
Further investigation revealed the gray SUV to be a BMW X7, operating with stolen New Jersey registration plates. This vehicle allegedly played a central role in similar burglaries reported in neighboring towns including Roseland, Secaucus, and Hasbrouck Heights. Law enforcement agencies suspected the same group of individuals were involved in all these incidents, and connected them to other potential crimes in New York and Connecticut.
Ginestri and a 16-year-old accomplice were eventually arrested and charged in connection with the burglaries.
Fairfield Police Public Information Officer Stacy Chiarolanza commented on the arrest, highlighting Ginestri’s online notoriety: “Ginestri is known as the social media influencer ‘Squeeze.Benz.’ His online content primarily features him recklessly driving high-end vehicles, often provoking police responses while concealing his identity with a full-face helmet. We appreciate the collaborative efforts of all agencies involved in this case, which led to this arrest.”
Interestingly, Ginestri’s initial arrest occurred on May 16th, but was unrelated to his traffic-related stunts. He was previously charged with assault following an incident at the Steinway Deli in Queens on February 10th. Police reports indicate that Ginestri allegedly punched a victim in the head inside the Long Island City deli. A 16-year-old was also arrested in April and charged with assault and harassment related to the same deli incident.
Despite the serious charges, Ginestri initially gained online fame for his audacious videos showcasing dangerous driving maneuvers through New York City’s five boroughs. The NYPD previously labeled him as “one of the most prolific street racers” in the city. His videos often depicted him speeding, sometimes reaching speeds of 130 mph, while evading law enforcement. He even extended his taunts to New Jersey police, with one video showing him performing donuts around a Newark police vehicle.
At present, attorney information for Ginestri remains unavailable. The arrest of “Squeeze.benz,” known for his reckless driving videos, for serious felonies like burglary marks a significant downfall for the social media personality, moving him from online infamy to facing real-world legal consequences.
