Antonio Ginestri, widely recognized as “Squeeze Benz” from his YouTube fame, finds himself in police custody once more. This time, the charges are not related to his previous reckless driving antics, but stem from alleged involvement in a series of ATM and luxury handbag thefts. Law enforcement officials have identified a stolen BMW X7, reportedly driven by Ginestri, as being connected to some of these heists.
“Squeeze Benz” had previously gained notoriety for taunting police across New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut for months, even engaging in online provocations. Back in May, authorities from the NYPD and the New Jersey Public Safety Commission publicly identified 19-year-old Antonio Ginestri as the individual behind the “Squeeze Benz” persona. Now, this second arrest brings forth completely separate criminal accusations, including the theft of designer handbags valued at approximately $38,000, in addition to the ATM theft incidents.
Ginestri allegedly cultivated his online image by brazenly challenging law enforcement with his dangerous driving stunts, sometimes even fleeing the scene of accidents on foot.
Read More: Viral Reckless Teen Driver ‘Squeeze Benz’ Arrested, Faces String Of Charges
Our previous coverage extensively documented the “Squeeze Benz” saga, including his initial arrest. Following that event, the characteristic posts and videos linked to the “Squeeze Benz” accounts saw a significant decrease in activity.
This recent arrest, however, pertains to alleged offenses that predate Ginestri’s apprehension for his “Squeeze Benz” exploits. According to NJ.com, Ginestri was taken into custody on May 16th, a full five days before the NYPD and other agencies issued statements connecting him to the “Squeeze Benz” online identity.
Court affidavits related to the May 16th arrest detail accusations of Ginestri stealing $38,950 worth of high-end designer handbags, allegedly while using a stolen BMW X7 as his getaway vehicle.
Investigators also suspect Ginestri’s involvement in robberies dating back to January 25th and 26th. Furthermore, he is considered a prime suspect in additional ATM thefts that occurred on February 6th and February 9th. A 16-year-old accomplice was also apprehended by officers in connection to these crimes.
The young man who allegedly transformed public roads into his personal racetrack now faces serious felony charges. These include employing a juvenile in the commission of a crime, grand theft, and conspiracy.
Currently, it appears the presiding judge has denied bail in this case, and a new court hearing date has not yet been scheduled. If Antonio Ginestri is indeed “Squeeze Benz,” as evidence strongly suggests, it is unlikely we will see any new videos on his social media accounts in the foreseeable future.
