Crime & Safety
Pinellas County, FL Attempted Murder Arrest, Man Accused of Shooting Girlfriend Near Bar
Safety Harbor, FL – A 40 year old Pinellas County man has been arrested on attempted first degree murder and child abuse charges after his girlfriend was critically wounded in a shooting outside a Saf
By Rachel Monroe · 2026-10-14T17:27:38.986Z
Safety Harbor, FL – A 40 year old Pinellas County man has been arrested on attempted first degree murder and child abuse charges after his girlfriend was critically wounded in a shooting outside a Safety Harbor bar Tuesday night.
According to the Pinellas County Sheriff 's Office, deputies responded to Harbor Bar at 840 Main St. around 9 p.m. Tuesday, October 13, following reports of gunfire near the southwest corner of Ninth Avenue South and Main Street.
Investigators identified the suspect as Christopher "Dodge" Smith, 40, and the victim as his girlfriend, 30 year old Jessica Antolini.
Argument Outside Bar Leads to Shooting
Detectives said Smith allegedly entered Harbor Bar around 8:45 p.m. with his 5 year old daughter and their dog, leaving them in the parking lot.
Smith later exited the establishment with Antolini. Investigators said the couple was observed arguing outside before the confrontation escalated.
According to deputies, Smith allegedly shot Antolini during the altercation before fleeing the scene in his vehicle with his daughter and dog.
Authorities later located Smith and took him into custody.
His daughter and the family dog were found safe inside the vehicle and were subsequently reunited with family members.
Victim Remains in Critical Condition
Antolini was transported to a hospital with life threatening injuries and remained in critical condition at the time of the sheriff's office announcement.
Smith was charged with attempted murder in the first degree and child abuse. He was transported to the Pinellas County Jail.
The sheriff's office has not announced additional charges, and the investigation remains ongoing.
Anyone experiencing domestic violence can contact CASA Pinellas at 727 895 4912 or the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800 799 7233.