A YouTube daredevil, famous for his high-speed driving videos across New York City under the moniker “Squeeze.benz,” has been apprehended and charged in connection with a series of burglaries in New Jersey. This arrest comes just months after he faced charges for assault in Queens, adding a serious turn to the influencer’s controversial public image.
Antonio Ginestri, the 19-year-old known online as “Squeeze.benz” to his massive following of a million on platforms like Instagram and YouTube, was charged this Tuesday with multiple counts of burglary and conspiracy. The charges stem from incidents dating back to February, according to Fairfield police.
The Fairfield Police Department reported that officers responded to a burglary alarm at the Speedway gas station on Route 46 East in the early hours of February 6th. Security footage from the scene revealed a gray SUV speeding away from the gas station with three individuals inside.
Further investigation revealed the gray SUV to be a BMW X7, operating with stolen New Jersey license plates. Law enforcement agencies connected this vehicle to a string of similar burglaries in neighboring towns including Roseland, Secaucus, and Hasbrouck Heights. Authorities believe the same group of individuals were involved in these incidents and are also investigating potential links to other crimes in New York and Connecticut.
Ginestri was apprehended along with a 16-year-old accomplice and both are now facing charges related to the burglaries.
Fairfield Police Public Information Officer Stacy Chiarolanza commented on the arrest, highlighting Ginestri’s online persona: “Ginestri is widely recognized as the social media influencer ‘Squeeze.Benz.’ His online content primarily features him driving luxury vehicles recklessly, often provoking police responses, all while concealing his identity with a full-face helmet. We extend our gratitude to all the agencies that collaborated in this investigation leading to these arrests.”
Ginestri’s initial arrest occurred on May 16th, unrelated to his viral driving videos. That arrest was for an assault that took place on February 10th inside the Steinway Deli in Queens. Police reports indicate that the victim was attacked at the deli in Long Island City, suffering a punch to the head.
In connection to the Steinway Deli assault, another 16-year-old was also arrested in April and charged with assault and harassment.
“Squeeze.benz” gained notoriety for his audacious videos showcasing dangerous driving stunts through New York City boroughs. The NYPD previously identified him as “one of the most prolific street racers” operating in the city. His online videos often depicted him speeding through traffic, reaching speeds up to 130 mph, while seemingly evading law enforcement.
His online antics were not limited to New York City; Ginestri also posted videos filmed in New Jersey, including one clip showing him performing donuts around a Newark police vehicle, further taunting law enforcement in the region.
Currently, attorney information for Ginestri is not publicly available. The arrest for burglary charges marks a significant escalation in the legal troubles for the social media personality known as “Squeeze.benz,” moving beyond reckless driving and assault allegations into more serious felony territory.
