Florida Men Charged After Altercation in Publix Parking Lot

Two men in Florida face charges of aggravated battery following a clash involving a machete and a hatchet in a Publix parking lot. This incident, which occurred on August 4, involved Everette Krichbaum, 52, and James Gay, 35, and stemmed from a dispute over a romantic interest.

According to a police report, James Gay was identified as the ‘primary aggressor’ during the confrontation in Panama City. The altercation began with Gay initiating a verbal dispute with Krichbaum, who was seated in his car, according to the arrest affidavit. Gay then left the scene briefly before returning with a machete in its sheath, which he used to strike Krichbaum in the face.

The conflict had been escalating over a woman whom Krichbaum is currently dating and whom Gay had previously dated, as Stephanie Marshall, identified as Gay’s girlfriend, informed Fox News Digital. Marshall is named as a witness by the Panama City Police Department.

During the physical confrontation, Krichbaum reportedly swung a hatchet at Gay, according to Gay’s statement to the police. When authorities arrived, they discovered that Gay had a severe cut to his pinky finger and a puncture wound in his lower abdomen. Krichbaum sustained multiple lacerations to his hands and face and informed investigators that he lost consciousness after Gay struck him in the head with the machete.

Both men received medical treatment at a hospital before being arrested. Gay was charged with aggravated battery with a deadly weapon on the day of the incident. This wasn’t his first incidence of violence; in 2011, he was convicted for aggravated battery in the death of a 16-year-old boy.

After serving time beginning in June 2012, Gay was released in June 2024, according to the Florida Department of Corrections. Krichbaum, after hospital discharge, was arrested by the Washington County Sheriff’s Office and the U.S. Marshals Service. He faces charges of aggravated battery causing bodily harm or disability.

As of August 7, Gay and Krichbaum remain in custody at the Bay County Jail. Fox News Digital was unable to reach either for comments. Krichbaum’s legal representation remains unclear, while Gay is listed as representing himself.