Man arrested after shooting and running over girlfriend outside Safety Harbor bar
Police say Christopher “Dodge” Smith shot his girlfriend, Jessica Antolini, and then drove over her in a bar parking lot, leaving his child and dog unharmed.
According to a release from the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, Christopher “Dodge” Smith, 40, entered the Harbor Bar at 840 Main St. in Safety Harbor at about 8:45 p.m. on Tuesday, leaving his five-year-old daughter and dog outside. After exiting the bar with his 30-year-old girlfriend, Jessica Antolini, the pair argued, and Smith fired a gun at Antolini. He then climbed into his car with his daughter and dog and drove forward, running Antolini over.
Antolini was rushed to a hospital where she remains in critical, life-threatening condition. Deputies located Smith’s vehicle based on witness 911 descriptions and arrested him without bond; his child and pet were reunited with relatives. Smith is charged with attempted first-degree murder and child abuse and is being held at the Pinellas County Jail.
Why it matters
The incident highlights severe domestic violence and the need for community resources to protect victims.
In this story
