Antonio Ginestri, known to his YouTube followers as “Squeeze Benz,” is back in police custody, facing a new set of charges. This time, the accusations are not related to his previous reckless driving antics but stem from alleged involvement in multiple ATM and high-end handbag thefts across state lines. Law enforcement officials have identified a stolen BMW X7, reportedly driven by Ginestri, as being connected to some of these heists.
For months, Squeeze Benz gained notoriety for taunting police departments in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut through his online presence. 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’s second arrest involves a completely separate series of crimes, including the theft of designer handbags valued at approximately $38,000, alongside the ATM robberies.
Ginestri allegedly rose to internet fame by provoking law enforcement with his dangerous driving stunts, often documenting incidents of reckless driving and hit-and-run scenarios.
While coverage of Squeeze Benz, including his initial arrest for reckless driving, was extensive for several months, the flow of new content typically associated with his accounts had noticeably decreased following that arrest.
This recent arrest, however, is reportedly linked to criminal activities that predate Ginestri’s apprehension for his “Squeeze Benz” stunts. According to NJ.com, Ginestri was initially taken into custody on May 16th, a full five days before the NYPD and other agencies announced his connection to the Squeeze Benz online identity.
Court documents related to the May 16th arrest reveal accusations that Ginestri stole approximately $38,950 worth of luxury handbags, allegedly while operating a stolen BMW X7.
Authorities also suspect Ginestri’s involvement in earlier robberies that occurred on January 25th and 26th. Furthermore, he is considered a primary suspect in ATM thefts dating back to February 6th and 9th. A 16-year-old, identified as a co-conspirator, was also arrested in connection with these incidents.
The young man who allegedly turned public roads into his personal racetrack now faces serious felony charges. These include employing a minor in the commission of a crime, grand theft, and conspiracy.
Currently, bail has been revoked in his case, and a new court appearance date is pending. If Antonio Ginestri is indeed Squeeze Benz, as evidence strongly suggests, it is unlikely that his online followers will be seeing new posts or videos anytime soon.
