Christopher “Dodge” Smith, 40, faces first‑degree murder and child abuse after allegedly shooting his girlfriend in the face and running her over with an SUV while his 5‑year‑old daughter sat inside. The attack unfolded Tuesday night in Safety Harbor, Florida.
Man Charged After Deadly SUV Attack
He arrived at a local bar just before 9 p.m., allegedly hunting for Jessica Antolini, 30, and appeared “possessed,” according to a criminal complaint cited by the New York Post. Witnesses told investigators he targeted Antolini after an earlier dispute, and multiple 911 calls reported the shooting.
After provoking a confrontation outside the bar, Smith shot Antolini in the face, then drove his SUV over her and fled with his daughter and a dog still inside, leaving her critically injured. Authorities say the vehicle was later located and deputies attempted a traffic stop, which Smith refused.
Detectives received numerous 911 calls from witnesses who provided details about Smith’s vehicle, according to the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office incident report. The report notes that these calls helped identify the suspect’s SUV quickly.
Smith was first charged with attempted first‑degree murder and child abuse, but after Antolini died from her injuries, the charge was upgraded to first‑degree murder. He remains jailed without bond at the Pinellas County Jail.
Safety Harbor Mayor Joe Ayoub announced Antolini’s death on Facebook, calling the incident a “devastating act of domestic violence” and expressing sorrow for the child who witnessed the trauma. Ayoub praised the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office and community members for their swift actions that led to the suspect’s capture and the child’s safe reunion with family.
