Deputies say Christopher “Dodge” Smith shot Jessica Antolini during an argument and struck her with his vehicle while fleeing.
SAFETY HARBOR, Fla. — A 40-year-old Safety Harbor man faces attempted first-degree murder and child abuse charges after deputies said he shot his girlfriend and ran over her with a vehicle following an argument near a downtown bar Tuesday night.
The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office identified the suspect as Christopher “Dodge” Smith and the injured woman as Jessica Antolini, 30. Antolini was taken to a hospital with life-threatening injuries and remained in critical condition in the latest update released by investigators. Smith was arrested a short time after leaving the scene and was taken to the Pinellas County Jail.
Deputies were dispatched at about 9 p.m. Oct. 13 to the area near Harbor Bar, 840 Main St., after several 911 callers reported a shooting. Investigators said the shooting occurred near the southwest corner of 9th Avenue South and Main Street, just west of the business. The sheriff’s office has described the case as a domestic-related incident.
Detectives said Smith entered Harbor Bar at about 8:45 p.m., leaving his 5-year-old daughter and the family dog outside. Smith later came out with Antolini, and the two were seen arguing, according to the sheriff’s office. Investigators allege Smith shot Antolini during the confrontation before getting into his vehicle.
As Smith drove away, deputies said, he struck Antolini with the vehicle. His daughter and the dog were inside as he left the area, according to investigators. The sheriff’s office has not released a detailed account of what led to the argument or a possible motive beyond describing the episode as domestic-related.
Witnesses provided dispatchers with information about Smith’s vehicle during multiple 911 calls, helping deputies locate it a short time later. Smith was taken into custody, while his daughter and the dog were found safe. Authorities said both were later reunited with family members.
The allegations led investigators to charge Smith with attempted murder in the first degree and child abuse. The charges are accusations, and Smith has not been convicted. Authorities have not publicly released additional evidence establishing what the child saw or heard during the incident, and the sheriff’s office has not identified the child.
The sheriff’s office said Antolini remained hospitalized in critical condition after suffering life-threatening injuries. Officials have not announced a more recent medical update or disclosed additional details about her treatment.
Investigators said the case remains active. Authorities have not announced additional arrests or charges, and the sheriff’s office has not released further information about what may have happened before Smith and Antolini were seen arguing outside the bar.
Author note: Last updated October 15, 2026.