The online persona “Squeeze.benz,” known for his high-speed car videos across New York City, is now facing serious legal repercussions. Antonio Ginestri, the 19-year-old behind the viral YouTube and Instagram accounts boasting a million followers, has been charged in connection to multiple burglaries in New Jersey. This arrest comes just months after a previous charge for assault in Queens, painting a picture of a young man whose off-screen actions are catching up to his on-screen daredevil image. The question now arises, will we see “Squeeze Benz Mugshots” surfacing as the reality of his legal troubles intensifies?
Fairfield police responded to a burglary at a Speedway gas station on Route 46 East in the early hours of February 6th, marking the beginning of Ginestri’s current legal woes. Security footage captured a gray SUV fleeing the scene, later identified as a stolen BMW X7 bearing stolen New Jersey plates. This vehicle and its occupants are allegedly linked to a series of similar burglaries in neighboring towns including Roseland, Secaucus, and Hasbrouck Heights. Law enforcement agencies in New York and Connecticut were also reportedly seeking the suspects and the vehicle in connection to other ongoing investigations.
Ginestri and a 16-year-old accomplice were apprehended and formally charged. The charges against Ginestri include burglary and conspiracy, serious felonies that stand in stark contrast to the thrill-seeking image he cultivates online.
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Fairfield Police Public Information Officer Stacy Chiarolanza highlighted Ginestri’s double life, stating, “Ginestri is a well-known social media influencer who goes by the handle ‘Squeeze.Benz.’ The basis of his channel is to film himself driving hi-end cars in a reckless manner to entice a police response while wearing a full-face helmet to hide his identity.” His online antics, designed to provoke law enforcement while masking his identity, are now ironically overshadowed by real-world police action and the potential release of “squeeze benz mugshots” as part of the legal process.
Prior to the burglary charges, Ginestri was arrested on May 16th for an assault incident on February 10th at the Steinway Deli in Queens. Police reports detail an unprovoked attack where Ginestri allegedly punched a victim in the head inside the Long Island City deli. A 16-year-old was also arrested in April in connection to the same assault, facing charges of assault and harassment.
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Ginestri’s fame stemmed from his audacious videos showcasing reckless driving throughout New York City. The NYPD labeled him “one of the most prolific street racers” in the city. His online content frequently featured him weaving through traffic at dangerous speeds, sometimes reaching 130 mph, all while evading police. He even extended his taunts to New Jersey law enforcement, posting a video of himself performing donuts around a Newark police vehicle.
As Antonio Ginestri navigates the legal system, the persona of “Squeeze.benz” faces its biggest challenge yet. The narrative shifts from online notoriety and high-speed chases to courtroom proceedings and felony charges. While “squeeze benz mugshots” are not explicitly mentioned as released, the very nature of arrest and legal proceedings suggests that the curated online image of “Squeeze.benz” is now confronted by the stark reality of law and accountability. The future for this YouTube daredevil hangs in the balance as the legal process unfolds.
