Christopher Smith, 40, faces charges after deputies say he shot his girlfriend outside a bar in Safe Harbor, Florida, and then ran her over with an SUV. Investigators said a five-year-old child was inside the vehicle when Smith allegedly left the scene. Bodycam, dashcam and aerial video released by the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office appears to show deputies stopping and arresting him after a brief pursuit.
The alleged victim, identified as Jessica Antolini, 30, remained in critical condition in the hospital. The child was not injured and was later reunited with family, according to investigators.
| Article Subheadings | |
|---|---|
| 1) | Alleged confrontation outside the bar |
| 2) | Shooting and vehicle attack |
| 3) | Deputies locate the suspect |
| 4) | Arrest and criminal charges |
| 5) | Victim and child remain central to investigation |
Alleged confrontation outside the bar
According to a criminal complaint, Christopher Smith arrived at a bar in Safe Harbor shortly before 9 p.m. on Tuesday. Witnesses told investigators that he appeared to be searching for Jessica Antolini and described his behavior as aggressive. The complaint states that witnesses believed he was “hunting” for the victim and that he looked “possessed.”
The couple allegedly encountered each other across the street from the bar. Investigators say an argument followed outside the business, where the shooting occurred. Multiple witnesses called 911, providing dispatchers with information about the incident and the vehicle involved.
Shooting and vehicle attack
Deputies allege that Smith shot Antolini in the face during the confrontation. After the shooting, investigators say he drove an SUV over her before leaving the area. The alleged attack left Antolini seriously injured and requiring hospital treatment.
The complaint also states that Smith drove away with his five-year-old child inside the vehicle. The child was not hurt, according to the investigation. The allegations remain subject to court proceedings, and the charging document represents investigators’ account of the incident rather than a finding of guilt.
“Detectives say multiple 911 calls reporting the shooting were received from witnesses who also provided information about Smith’s vehicle.”
Deputies locate the suspect
Responding deputies searched for the SUV after receiving the emergency calls. They later located the vehicle and attempted to conduct a traffic stop. Investigators said Smith did not comply with the order to stop, prompting a brief pursuit.
Bodycam, dashcam and aerial footage released by the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office appears to show a deputy vehicle performing a precision immobilization technique, commonly known as a PIT maneuver, against the SUV. The maneuver brought the vehicle to a stop and allowed deputies to take Smith into custody.
Arrest and criminal charges
Deputies arrested Smith after the vehicle was immobilized. He was charged with attempted first-degree murder and child abuse in connection with the alleged shooting, vehicle attack and the child’s presence during the incident.
Smith was being held in the Pinellas County Jail without bond because of the attempted first-degree murder charge. The available account does not indicate whether he had entered a plea or obtained legal representation. Additional court proceedings will determine how the allegations move forward.
Victim and child remain central to investigation
Antolini remained in critical condition at a hospital after the alleged attack. Her medical condition is a key part of the investigation, while detectives continue to examine witness accounts, emergency calls and video from the pursuit and arrest.
The child was not physically injured and was reunited with relatives after deputies took Smith into custody. Authorities have not reported additional injuries from the alleged shooting or the vehicle incident. The case involves both the alleged attempted killing of Antolini and claims related to exposing the child to the dangerous events.
| Number | Key Point |
|---|---|
| 1 | Smith is accused of shooting Antolini and running her over with an SUV. |
| 2 | The alleged confrontation took place near a bar in Safe Harbor, Florida. |
| 3 | A five-year-old child was in the SUV but was not injured. |
| 4 | Deputies stopped the SUV after a brief pursuit and arrested Smith. |
| 5 | He faces attempted first-degree murder and child abuse charges. |
Summary
Investigators say a dispute outside a Safe Harbor bar escalated into a shooting and vehicle attack that left Jessica Antolini critically injured. Deputies later stopped Christopher Smith after locating his SUV, and he was arrested on attempted first-degree murder and child abuse charges. The child who was in the vehicle was not injured and was reunited with family.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was arrested?
Christopher Smith, 40, was arrested by Pinellas County deputies after they stopped the SUV he was allegedly driving.
What charges does Smith face?
He faces charges of attempted first-degree murder and child abuse.
What happened to the alleged victim?
Jessica Antolini, 30, was hospitalized in critical condition after investigators said she was shot and run over.
Was anyone else injured?
The five-year-old child inside the SUV was not injured and was reunited with family.