From Showboating to Sentencing: Reckless Mercedes Driver Lands Behind Bars

Just yesterday, the 33-year-old behind the wheel of a Mercedes still fancied himself the star of his own action reel on the streets of St. Petersburg. But as always, cheap stunts come with even cheaper endings. When police came knocking, the brash street star deflated like a punctured tire.

Authorities were interested in one performance in particular, where the driver deliberately burned his tires bald and engulfed the street in a thick white cloud. The smoke show made its way onto social media—and from there, straight into the hands of investigators. The result: a criminal case for behavior that endangers the safe use of vehicles. Police now say they plan to make such charges a new standard. Rough roads lie ahead for the car-obsessed showboaters.

When confronted, the driver’s swagger evaporated. He mumbled that the video was “old” and that he “wouldn’t do it again.” But anyone familiar with his past knows the reckless style is as natural to him as gasoline to an engine. Back in 2012, one of his high-speed escapades ended in tragedy when a young woman died after colliding with his motorcycle. Following a prison sentence, the man began producing content focused on dangerous driving—sometimes even with his young child in the passenger seat.

Now the brakes have been slammed, officially. The man has been arrested and awaits sentencing, which will decide whether his next appearance comes from behind prison bars or from a room with no access to the internet.