Two Florida men were charged with aggravated battery after a violent altercation in a Panama City Publix parking lot on August 4, involving a machete and a hatchet. The incident stemmed from a dispute over a former romantic partner, according to police reports.
Everette Krichbaum, 52, and James Gay, 35, were both transported to a hospital for treatment following the confrontation. Police identified Gay as the primary aggressor in the incident, which began as a verbal dispute before escalating into physical violence.
Krichbaum was seated in his vehicle when Gay approached him and initiated a verbal altercation, the arrest affidavit states. Gay then returned to his own vehicle and retrieved a machete in its sheath, striking Krichbaum in the face with it. Krichbaum subsequently swung a hatchet at Gay during the confrontation. When officers arrived, Gay was found with a deep cut on his pinky finger exposing the bone and a puncture wound to his lower abdomen. Krichbaum sustained multiple lacerations to his hands and face and reported losing consciousness after being struck in the head with the machete.
Both men were taken by ambulance for medical treatment. Police reports indicate Gay told investigators he was "attacked … over his ex-girlfriend." Stephanie Marshall, identified as Gay’s girlfriend and listed as a witness in the police report, stated the feud between the two men had been brewing over a woman Krichbaum is currently dating and Gay previously dated.
The Panama City Police Department confirmed the charges of aggravated battery against both individuals. The case remains under investigation as authorities review evidence from the scene and witness statements.