Florida Man Accused of Tracking Down Girlfriend at a Bar Before Shooting Her and Running Her Over With His Young Daughter in the Car

A Florida woman has died after authorities say her boyfriend tracked her down outside a bar, shot her and ran her over with his vehicle while his 5-year-old daughter was inside. The disturbing incident has led to a first-degree murder charge against 40-year-old Christopher Dodge Smith, as investigators work to piece together the events that preceded the fatal confrontation. The case has also raised serious concerns about the young child who was allegedly present during the attack.

According to the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office and an affidavit obtained by PEOPLE, the incident occurred on the evening of October 13, 2026. Smith allegedly drove to a bar in search of his girlfriend, 30-year-old Jessica Antolini, bringing his young daughter with him. Witnesses who knew Smith reportedly told investigators that he was behaving unusually and moving around the bar in an aggressive manner. One witness described him as appearing almost “possessed,” while the affidavit characterized his behavior as though he was hunting for Antolini.

After locating her, Smith allegedly became involved in a verbal argument with Antolini in the parking lot. Investigators say the confrontation escalated after Smith walked back toward his vehicle and Antolini followed him. According to the affidavit, Smith then produced a firearm and shot her in the face. The sudden violence left Antolini with life-threatening injuries, while witnesses nearby contacted emergency services and provided information about the suspect and his vehicle.

Authorities further allege that Smith drove away after the shooting, running over Antolini in the process. His 5-year-old daughter was reportedly inside the vehicle during the incident. The affidavit also states that Smith called his mother afterward, telling her he was bringing his daughter to her because he had “messed up” and had shot Jess. Investigators allege that the child witnessed the shooting and repeatedly told law enforcement, “Daddy shot Jess.” The young girl was not physically injured.

Multiple emergency calls helped police respond to the scene and begin searching for Smith. According to the sheriff’s office, witnesses provided details about his vehicle, allowing deputies to locate it. When officers attempted to stop him, Smith allegedly failed to pull over, prompting deputies to immobilize the vehicle. His daughter and a dog were found inside, and both were reported to be unharmed. Authorities subsequently took Smith into custody.

Antolini was transported to Bayfront Hospital for treatment, but she died on October 15, two days after the attack. Following her death, the charge against Smith was upgraded to first-degree murder, according to the sheriff’s office. He is being held without bond at the Pinellas County Jail. The allegations described in the affidavit form part of the case against him, and the charges have yet to be resolved through a trial.

Beyond the criminal investigation, the case has drawn attention to the potential impact on the child who was allegedly present during the violence. Although she was not physically harmed, investigators believe she witnessed the shooting and its immediate aftermath. Authorities have reported that she was safe after being located by deputies. The case now centers on the circumstances surrounding Antolini’s death, the evidence supporting the allegations against Smith and the legal proceedings that will follow.

For Antolini’s loved ones, her death marks a devastating loss. What began as a confrontation outside a bar ended in a fatal act of violence, leaving family and friends to grieve while investigators pursue the case. As the proceedings move forward, the allegations against Smith will be examined in court, where evidence and testimony will determine the outcome.

Source: PEOPLE