Antonio Ginestri, famously known as “Squeeze Benz” from his YouTube antics, finds himself in legal trouble once more. This time, the charges are not related to his daredevil driving stunts but stem from a series of alleged ATM and luxury handbag thefts across New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut.
Law enforcement officials have identified a stolen BMW X7, reportedly driven by Ginestri during some of these heists. This revelation comes just months after Ginestri gained notoriety for taunting police online, even engaging in a brazen YouTube interview where he seemed to revel in his reckless behavior. In May, the NYPD and New Jersey Public Safety Commission publicly linked 19-year-old Ginestri to the “Squeeze Benz” persona. Now, this second arrest brings forth a completely separate set of accusations, including the theft of designer handbags valued at approximately $38,000, alongside the ATM robberies.
Ginestri initially rose to infamy by posting videos of himself driving erratically and taunting authorities, often involving high-speed chases and crashes. His online persona, “Squeeze Benz,” became synonymous with reckless driving and a blatant disregard for the law.
Further Details: Viral Reckless Teen Driver ‘Squeeze Benz’ Arrested, Faces String Of Charges
Our previous coverage extensively documented Squeeze Benz’s exploits and initial arrest. Following that arrest, the stream of content typically associated with his online accounts significantly decreased, suggesting a period of relative quiet – until now.
Interestingly, this new arrest is connected to alleged crimes that predate Ginestri’s first apprehension for his “Squeeze Benz” activities. NJ.com reports Ginestri’s arrest occurred on May 16th, a full five days before the NYPD and other agencies announced his connection to the Squeeze Benz online identity.
According to the affidavit related to the May 16th arrest, police accuse Ginestri of stealing $38,950 worth of high-end handbags, allegedly while using a stolen BMW X7. Investigators also suspect his involvement in earlier robberies on January 25th and 26th, and he is considered a prime suspect in ATM thefts that occurred on February 6th and 9th. A 16-year-old has also been arrested as an alleged accomplice in these crimes.
The young man who seemingly treated public roads as his personal racetrack is now confronting serious felony charges. These include employing a juvenile in criminal activities, theft by unlawful taking, and conspiracy. Court records indicate that bail has been revoked in his case, and a new court date is pending. If Antonio Ginestri is indeed Squeeze Benz, as evidence strongly suggests, it’s highly unlikely we’ll be seeing any new videos from his account in the near future.
Image Credit: Jack Alderman
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