Deputies Arrest Man for Attempted Murder in the First Degree and Child Abuse (26-087)

SAFETY HARBOR– Deputies have arrested a man for Attempted Murder in the First Degree and Child Abuse, following a domestic related incident in Safety Harbor.

On October 13, 2026, at approximately 9:00 p.m., patrol deputies were dispatched to the Harbor Bar located at 840 Main Street in Safety Harbor, regarding a shooting. The location of the shooting was identified as the southwest corner of 9th Avenue South and Main Street, just west of the bar.

According to detectives, at approximately 8:45 p.m., 40-year-old Christopher “Dodge” Smith entered Harbor Bar, leaving his five-year-old daughter and their dog in the parking lot. Smith later exited the bar with his girlfriend, 30-year-old Jessica Antolini, and the two were observed arguing outside. During the altercation, Smith shot Antolini before fleeing the scene in his vehicle with his daughter and dog. As he fled, Smith ran over Antolini with his vehicle.

Detectives say multiple 911 calls reporting the shooting were received from witnesses who also provided information about Smith’s vehicle. Deputies located the vehicle a short time later and took Smith into custody. Smith’s five-year-old daughter and the family dog were found safe inside the vehicle and were subsequently reunited with family members.

Smith has been charged with Attempted Murder in the First Degree and Child Abuse. He was transported to the Pinellas County Jail.

Antolini was transported to the hospital with life threatening injuries and remains in critical condition.

The investigation continues.

If you or someone you know needs help regarding a domestic violence situation, please contact one of these organizations:

• CASA Pinellas - 24-Hour Domestic Violence Hotline: 727-895-4912 I casapinellas.org

• HOPE Villages of America: 727-442-4128 I hopevillagesofamerica.org

• National Domestic Violence 24/7 Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 | thehotline.org

• Pinellas County Sheriff's Office Victim Advocates: 727-582-6259

Additional Information:

Christopher “Dodge” Smith (Suspect-Arrested)

DOB: 08/02/1986

Address: 1408 Oak Haven Drive, Safety Harbor

Charges: Attempted Murder in the First Degree and Child Abuse

Jessica Antolini (Victim-Critical)

DOB: 09/19/1996