Florida Father Accused of Shooting Girlfriend and Running Her Over While His 5-Year-Old Daughter and Dog Were in the Car

A Florida man is facing serious criminal charges after allegedly shooting his girlfriend outside a bar and running over her with his vehicle as he fled — with his 5-year-old daughter and their dog caught up in the frightening incident. The woman, identified as 30-year-old Jessica Antolini, was left with life-threatening injuries and remained in critical condition following the attack, according to authorities.

Investigators say Christopher “Dodge” Smith, 40, arrived at Harbor Bar in Safety Harbor, Florida, at approximately 8:45 p.m. on Tuesday, October 13. According to the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, Smith left his young daughter and the family dog in the parking lot before going inside. He later came outside with Antolini, and the two reportedly began arguing.

The confrontation allegedly turned violent when Smith pulled out a gun and shot Antolini. According to detectives, he then got into his vehicle with his daughter and dog and drove away, running over the injured woman as he left the scene. Witnesses who heard or saw what happened called 911, providing authorities with information about the vehicle and helping deputies begin searching for the suspect.

Deputies located Smith’s vehicle a short time later and pursued him before he stopped and got out with his hands raised. Body-camera footage released by the sheriff’s office captured the tense arrest. As officers approached, Smith reportedly told them that his daughter was inside the vehicle. The child could be heard crying out for her dog as deputies removed them from the car.

Authorities said Smith cooperated with officers during the arrest. When questioned about the gun allegedly used in the shooting, he reportedly told deputies that he did not know exactly where it was and suggested it might be inside the vehicle. Investigators are continuing to examine the circumstances surrounding the shooting and the events leading up to it.

Smith has been charged with attempted first-degree murder and child abuse. A judge denied bond on the attempted-murder charge and ordered him to have no contact with his daughter. The child and the dog were reported safe and were later reunited with family members. Antolini, meanwhile, was hospitalized with critical, life-threatening injuries.

The case has drawn attention not only because of the alleged violence but also because a young child was present during the incident and was reportedly in the vehicle as her father fled. The allegations remain part of an ongoing criminal case, and Smith is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

Source: Law&Crime