A 19-year-old street-racing influencer named Antonio Ginestri, known as “Squeeze.Benz” on social media, was arrested after posting videos taunting cops with high-speed stunts in expensive cars in New York City and New Jersey. Ginestri was caught after being linked to his popular social media account, where he had over 1 million followers. He is facing charges for reckless driving and eluding police, with videos showing him driving at speeds of up to 130 mph, performing dangerous stunts on crowded streets, and taunting police cars.
One of the videos posted by Ginestri shows him racing down Newark streets and handing an unknown passenger a mock legal waiver before engaging in high-speed stunts. Despite encountering several police cars, Ginestri was able to evade them and disappear onto the highway. The Newark Department of Public Safety stated that Ginestri’s actions were an attempt to antagonize police for views on his social media channels. Newark Police Chief Emanuel Miranda emphasized that reckless driving would not be tolerated on the city streets.
Ginestri’s reckless driving and taunting of police came under investigation after he was caught doing doughnuts around a police car in April. This incident led officials to his “Squeeze.Benz” social media account, which featured videos of him performing dangerous driving stunts in various locations. Ginestri was located in Astoria after allegedly assaulting a man at a deli. In addition to the reckless driving charges, he is facing charges for employing a juvenile in a crime, theft, and conspiracy in Fairfield.
The Queens District Attorney’s office revealed that Ginestri had previously pleaded guilty to possessing a stolen motorcycle and was ordered to pay restitution. Despite the charges and legal troubles, an attorney for Ginestri could not be reached for comment. The arrest of Ginestri has put an end to his reckless street-racing antics in New York City and New Jersey, where he had become known for his dangerous driving videos posted on social media. Authorities are cracking down on such behavior and sending a clear message that such actions will not be tolerated on public streets.
