Antonio Ginestri, known to his million online followers as “Squeeze.benz,” a daredevil YouTuber famous for his high-speed car stunts across New York City, has found himself in serious trouble. Months after a prior arrest for assault in Queens, the 19-year-old influencer was apprehended and charged in connection to a series of burglaries across New Jersey. But how did Squeeze Benz, seemingly untouchable in his online world of speed and evasion, finally get caught by the authorities?
Fairfield police were dispatched to investigate a burglary at a Speedway gas station on Route 46 East in the early hours of February 6th. Security footage from the scene revealed a gray SUV rapidly departing the location, carrying three individuals. This initial incident sparked an investigation that would unravel a larger pattern of criminal activity linked to Ginestri.
The gray SUV identified in the Speedway gas station burglary was discovered to be a stolen BMW X7, bearing stolen New Jersey license plates. This vehicle matched descriptions from similar burglaries reported in neighboring towns, including Roseland, Secaucus, and Hasbrouck Heights. Law enforcement agencies in these areas had been seeking the suspects and the vehicle in connection with these incidents, as well as for potential links to crimes in New York and Connecticut.
The collaborative effort between different police departments led to the identification and arrest of Antonio Ginestri and a 16-year-old accomplice. Ginestri now faces multiple charges including burglary and conspiracy, a stark contrast to his online persona built on evading law enforcement in his high-octane videos.
Fairfield Police Public Information Officer Stacy Chiarolanza highlighted the connection between Ginestri’s online fame and his real-world actions. “Ginestri is a well-known social media influencer who goes by the handle ‘Squeeze.Benz,’” Chiarolanza stated. “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.” She further credited the cooperation of various agencies in bringing the case together and making the arrest. This statement underscores how Ginestri’s very public and provocative online behavior, designed to push boundaries, ironically drew attention that contributed to his downfall.
Interestingly, this wasn’t Ginestri’s first brush with the law. Back in May, he was initially arrested for an assault that occurred on February 10th at the Steinway Deli in Queens. 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 in connection with the same assault incident, facing charges of assault and harassment.
Before his arrest, Ginestri cultivated a significant online following with his audacious videos showcasing dangerous driving stunts across New York City’s five boroughs. The NYPD labeled him as “one of the most prolific street racers” in the city. His online content often featured him speeding through traffic, boasting about reaching speeds of 130 mph, and seemingly outsmarting police. Adding to his provocative online presence, Ginestri even posted videos taunting New Jersey police, including one clip showing him performing donuts in the street around a Newark police vehicle.
In conclusion, Squeeze Benz’s capture wasn’t a result of his high-speed antics directly, but rather through a more traditional route: a burglary investigation. The gray BMW X7, his connection to multiple burglaries across New Jersey, and the collaborative work of law enforcement agencies ultimately led to his arrest. While his online persona thrived on pushing legal limits on the road, it was a series of alleged property crimes that finally caught up with the YouTube daredevil, bringing his high-speed escapades to a sudden halt. Attorney information for Ginestri remains unclear, and the legal proceedings are expected to unfold.
