YouTube Influencer Antonio Ginestri Arrested: ATM & Handbag Theft Allegations

02 May, 2025

Could a social media sensation, famed for defying the law and amassing a vast following, now be facing a stark reality check behind bars? The case of Antonio Ginestri, known online as "Squeeze.Benz," presents a compelling narrative of fame, recklessness, and a fall from grace that has captured the attention of both law enforcement and the digital world.

The story begins with a young man from Queens, New York, leveraging the power of platforms like YouTube and Instagram to cultivate a persona built on dangerous driving stunts. These videos, showcasing Ginestri's apparent disregard for traffic laws and his penchant for taunting authorities, garnered him a massive audience, easily exceeding a million followers. His online notoriety, however, has now collided with the legal system, leaving many wondering if the virtual world's allure can truly sustain the weight of real-world consequences.

Ginestri's journey from online celebrity to criminal suspect took a dramatic turn in May, when he was first arrested. The charges he now faces are numerous and serious, painting a picture far removed from the adrenaline-fueled escapades he so readily shared with his followers. Beyond the initial accusations of reckless driving and eluding police, Ginestri is now implicated in more severe offenses, including allegations of stealing designer handbags and targeting ATM machines in both New York and New Jersey. Adding another layer of complexity, there are also charges related to the alleged employment of a juvenile in criminal activities, a detail that has raised serious questions about his judgment and the potential impact of his actions.

The scale of Ginestri's alleged criminal activities appears to have been extensive. Authorities have indicated that he, along with others, is believed to have been involved in robbing several businesses across multiple states, adding to the gravity of his situation. The incidents that led to his arrest highlight a disturbing trend of young individuals seemingly trading in their freedoms for financial gain, a pattern of crime that is a concern for law enforcement in the region.

The legal proceedings against Ginestri also highlight the challenges faced by law enforcement when confronted with social media-savvy individuals. The videos he posted online served as both a source of entertainment for his followers and, ultimately, as incriminating evidence for investigators. This duality underscores the increasing intersection of the digital and physical worlds, where online actions can have immediate and severe offline repercussions.

Ginestri's arrest on April 11, in Newark near Market and Broad Streets, after disregarding police attempts to stop him, further underscored his history of disregarding authority. The footage from the car's front and rear cameras further revealed this and contributed to the legal case against him.

Category	Details
Full Name	Antonio Ginestri
Online Alias	Squeeze.Benz
Age	19 (as of arrest)
Location (Residence)	Queens, New York
Social Media Platforms	Instagram, YouTube
Known For	Reckless driving stunts, eluding police, taunting authorities on social media
Follower Count (Approximate)	Over 1 million
Initial Arrest Date	May (Specific date not provided)
Additional Arrest Date	June 25, 2024 (alleged boating offense)
Current Charges	Reckless driving, eluding police, theft of designer handbags, targeting ATM machines, employing a juvenile in a crime, and others.
Legal Status	Facing multiple charges; high "wanted" level
Alleged Criminal Activity	Robbery of businesses across New Jersey, New York, and other states.
Vehicular Incident Details	Attempted motor vehicle stop in Newark on April 11, 2024, near Market and Broad Streets. Disregarded police attempts and continued eluding police at high speed.
Reference Website	Spokeo - Public Records for Antonio Ginestri

The narrative surrounding Ginestri is also a lesson in the speed with which information, and the accompanying consequences, can travel. News of his arrest quickly spread across social media, with former followers expressing a mix of disbelief, disappointment, and, for some, a sense of vindication. In this way, the story serves as a reflection of the times: an era where our digital footprints can permanently alter our future.

The legal proceedings against Ginestri are ongoing, and it remains to be seen what consequences he will face. While the details of his case continue to unfold, it's important to recognize the broader implications of his actions and the environment that allowed them to flourish. The case of Antonio Ginestri serves as a cautionary tale for those who may be tempted by the allure of online fame, reminding us that the pursuit of popularity should never come at the expense of the law or the safety of others.

The incident near Market and Broad Streets, a bustling intersection in Newark, further highlights the dangers that arise when reckless driving and eluding police collide. The lack of regard for public safety, the disregard of traffic signals, and the high speeds involved could have easily led to a tragic accident. The fact that this reckless behavior was recorded and broadcast online adds another layer of complexity to the case, turning a potential criminal act into a form of content creation, further blurring the lines between reality and the online world.

The revelation of Ginestri's age also came as a shock to many. The "street takeover champion" turned out to be a 19-year-old from Queens, amplifying the seriousness of his choices. This young age underscores the need for open conversations about online responsibility, the consequences of engaging in reckless activities, and the need for stricter regulations across social media platforms to protect vulnerable individuals from the repercussions of online exposure.

The mug shot released by the Essex County Jail will become an enduring image, a stark reminder of the consequences Ginestri must now face. The events in Newark, the alleged thefts, the videos shared onlineall contribute to a story that continues to develop. As the legal processes move forward, it will be worth observing how these digital narratives and real-world consequences affect his case. Ultimately, the case of Antonio Ginestri remains a cautionary example of how social media fame and disregard for the law can create a collision course with real-world justice.

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