Antonio Ginestri, famously known online as “Squeeze.benz,” has traded his high-speed chases on YouTube for a series of serious legal challenges. The 19-year-old social media personality, who amassed a large following with videos of his daredevil driving antics in luxury cars across New York City, now faces burglary and conspiracy charges in New Jersey. This development comes just months after a previous arrest for assault in Queens, raising questions about whether Squeeze Benz is currently in jail and the full scope of his legal troubles.
New Jersey Burglary Charges Against Squeeze Benz
Fairfield police responded to a burglary report at a Speedway gas station on Route 46 East in the early hours of February 6th, setting off an investigation that would implicate Ginestri. Security footage from the scene captured a gray SUV fleeing the location, carrying three individuals. This vehicle, a BMW X7 later discovered to be using stolen New Jersey registration plates, became a central piece of evidence linking the group to a series of similar burglaries in neighboring towns.
According to police reports, the same gray SUV and individuals were suspected in burglaries across Roseland, Secaucus, and Hasbrouck Heights. Law enforcement agencies in New York and Connecticut were also seeking the suspects and the vehicle in connection to other ongoing investigations. The coordinated effort across multiple jurisdictions led to the arrest of Ginestri and a 16-year-old, both now facing charges related to the burglaries, including burglary and conspiracy.
Fairfield Police Public Information Officer Stacy Chiarolanza highlighted Ginestri’s online notoriety, 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.” She also acknowledged the collaborative work of various agencies in bringing the case to an arrest.
Squeeze Benz’s Prior Arrest for Assault in Queens
Before the burglary charges, Ginestri had already been arrested on May 16th for an assault incident unrelated to his online videos. The charges stem from an event on February 10th inside the Steinway Deli in Queens, Long Island City. Police reports indicate that Ginestri allegedly punched a victim in the head while at the deli. In connection to the same incident, a 16-year-old was also arrested in April and charged with assault and harassment, suggesting a possible altercation involving multiple individuals.
The Dangerous Online Persona of Squeeze Benz
Squeeze Benz cultivated a significant online following by posting videos that showcased dangerous and illegal behavior. His content typically featured him speeding through traffic in New York City’s five boroughs, often reaching speeds as high as 130 mph while evading police. The New York Police Department (NYPD) described him as “one of the most prolific street racers” in the city, underscoring the severity of his reckless actions.
His brazenness extended beyond New York, as evidenced by a video where he is seen performing donuts around a Newark police vehicle in New Jersey. These videos, often interpreted as taunts directed at law enforcement, were a key component of his online persona, attracting viewers with their dangerous and confrontational nature.
Conclusion: Facing Legal Consequences Beyond Social Media Fame
While information regarding Ginestri’s current attorney and immediate jail status remains unclear, the charges against “Squeeze.benz” are substantial. From burglary and conspiracy in New Jersey to assault in Queens, Antonio Ginestri is facing serious legal repercussions that extend far beyond the virtual world of social media fame he cultivated. The legal proceedings will determine the extent of his accountability for both the alleged crimes and the dangerous online persona he created. As the case develops, the question of whether Squeeze Benz is in jail may soon be answered definitively.
