Florida man charged after allegedly shooting girlfriend in the face and running her over with child in car

By Jack Newsome, 
updated on October 15, 2026

Bodycam video shows Pinellas County deputies stopping a Florida man accused of hunting down his girlfriend outside a bar, shooting her in the face, and mowing her over while his young child sat inside the SUV.

Fox News reported that Christopher “Dodge” Smith, 40, faces attempted first-degree murder and child abuse charges after the attack in Safe Harbor, Florida.

Deputies say the violence unfolded Tuesday just before 9 p.m. across the street from a local bar. Jessica Antolini, 30, ended up in the hospital in critical condition. Smith’s 5-year-old child was in the vehicle and was not hurt.

According to the criminal complaint, Smith showed up at the bar, got into an argument with Antolini outside, then allegedly shot her in the face. He ran her over with his SUV and sped off with the child still inside.

Witnesses described him as “hunting” her down

Witnesses who called 911 told investigators Smith appeared to be “hunting” Antolini and looked “possessed.” Multiple callers also gave deputies details on his vehicle.

The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office said detectives received those 911 reports right away.

"Detectives say multiple 911 calls reporting the shooting were received from witnesses who also provided information about Smith’s vehicle,"

Deputies located the SUV, tried to pull it over, and said Smith did not stop. Officers used a PIT maneuver to immobilize the vehicle and make the arrest. The sheriff’s office released bodycam, dashcam, and aerial video of that stop.

No bond and a child left in the middle of it

Smith is being held in the Pinellas County jail with no bond because of the attempted first-degree murder charge. He is also charged with child abuse.

The 5-year-old was uninjured and has been reunited with family. Antolini remained in critical condition, fighting for her life after being shot in the face and struck by the SUV.

The sheriff’s office identified Smith as the man behind the attack and moved quickly from the 911 calls to the traffic stop and booking. The complaint ties the shooting, the vehicle strike, and the child’s presence in the car to the charges now holding him without bond.

When a man allegedly tracks a woman down, shoots her, and drives over her with a child in the back seat, the system owes the victim and that child a hard stop, no excuses, no soft landing, and no early exit.

About Jack Newsome

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