Antonio Ginestri, widely recognized as “Squeeze Benz” from his viral YouTube videos, finds himself back in police custody. This time, the charges are not related to his infamous reckless driving stunts, but stem from a series of alleged ATM and luxury handbag thefts. Law enforcement officials have identified a stolen BMW X7, purportedly driven by Ginestri, as having been used in connection with these heists.
For months, Squeeze Benz had gained notoriety for taunting authorities across New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut, showcasing his audacious driving escapades online. In May, 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, Ginestri faces a second arrest, this time for unrelated incidents involving approximately $38,000 worth of high-end designer handbags and ATM machine thefts.
Ginestri initially rose to prominence by brazenly challenging law enforcement through his driving antics, which often included fleeing the scene after causing accidents. His initial arrest for these driving-related offenses was previously covered, and since then, content associated with the “Squeeze Benz” accounts had significantly decreased.
Interestingly, this latest arrest is connected to criminal activities that predate Ginestri’s apprehension for his reckless driving videos. Reports indicate that Ginestri was initially arrested on May 16th, several days before the official announcement linking him to the Squeeze Benz online identity.
According to the affidavit related to the May 16th arrest, authorities allege that Ginestri stole designer handbags valued at $38,950, and again, a stolen BMW X7 is implicated in these crimes. Furthermore, law enforcement believes Ginestri was involved in earlier robberies that occurred on January 25th and 26th. He is also considered a primary suspect in ATM thefts dating back to February 6th and 9th. In connection with these incidents, a 16-year-old accomplice has also been arrested.
The young individual who allegedly treated public roads as his personal racetrack is now facing serious felony charges. These include employing a juvenile in the commission of a crime, theft by unlawful taking, and conspiracy. Currently, bail has been revoked in his case, and a new court date is pending. If Antonio Ginestri is indeed Squeeze Benz, as all evidence suggests, it is highly unlikely that his online followers will be seeing new videos from him anytime soon.
