A YouTube personality known for his high-speed driving videos in New York City, identified online as “Squeeze.benz,” is now facing serious charges related to a series of burglaries in New Jersey. Antonio Ginestri, the 19-year-old behind the “Squeeze.benz” persona, which has garnered him a million followers across Instagram and YouTube, was arrested and charged on Tuesday in connection with multiple burglaries that occurred in February. The charges against Ginestri include burglary and conspiracy.
According to the Fairfield Police Department, officers responded to a reported 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 speeding away from the gas station with three individuals inside.
The vehicle, a gray BMW X7, was later discovered to be using stolen New Jersey registration plates. Law enforcement officials believe this same vehicle was used in a string of similar burglaries in neighboring towns, including Roseland, Secaucus, and Hasbrouck Heights. Authorities suspect that the individuals involved in these incidents are the same as those connected to the Speedway gas station burglary. Furthermore, police investigations suggest that these suspects and the BMW X7 may also be linked to other criminal activities in New York and Connecticut.
Ginestri was apprehended along with a 16-year-old accomplice and both have been formally charged.
Fairfield Police Public Information Officer Stacy Chiarolanza commented on the arrest, highlighting Ginestri’s online notoriety. “Ginestri is recognized as the social media influencer ‘Squeeze.Benz’,” Chiarolanza stated. “His online content primarily features him operating high-performance vehicles in a dangerous manner, often provoking police responses while concealing his identity with a full-face helmet. We appreciate the collaboration of all agencies involved in this investigation that led to these arrests.”
Interestingly, this is not Ginestri’s first brush with the law. Prior to the burglary charges, he was arrested on May 16th for an assault incident unrelated to his driving videos. This earlier charge stemmed from an event on February 10th inside the Steinway Deli in Queens. Police reports indicate that Ginestri allegedly punched a victim in the head within the Long Island City deli.
In connection to the deli assault, a 16-year-old was also arrested in April and charged with assault and harassment.
Ginestri, under his “Squeeze.benz” moniker, has amassed a significant online following due to his audacious videos showcasing reckless driving throughout New York City’s five boroughs. The NYPD has described him as “one of the most prolific street racers” in the city. His online videos often depict him speeding through city streets, evading police, and reaching speeds up to 130 mph.
His provocative behavior extended beyond New York, as evidenced by a video of him performing donuts in the street around a Newark police vehicle, further taunting law enforcement in New Jersey.
Currently, attorney information for Ginestri is not publicly available. This case highlights the dichotomy between online fame and real-world consequences, as “Squeeze Benz Name,” known for his automotive antics, now faces serious legal repercussions.
