Two men, Everette Krichbaum, 52, and James Gay, 35, were arrested and charged on August 6 with aggravated battery following a violent altercation in a Publix parking lot in Panama City, Florida. The fight, which occurred on August 4, involved a machete and a hatchet and reportedly stemmed from a dispute over a woman both men had relationships with.
According to police reports obtained by Fox News, the incident began when Gay approached Krichbaum, who was sitting in his car. An argument ensued, escalating to physical violence when Gay retrieved a machete from his vehicle and struck Krichbaum. Video footage captured the moment Gay approached Krichbaum's car, unsheathed the knife, and approached the driver's side.
In response, Krichbaum produced a hatchet and began swinging it at Gay. Police stated that Krichbaum felt threatened and brandished the hatchet in an attempt to deter Gay. Gay sustained a gash on his pinky finger that exposed bone and a wound to his stomach. Krichbaum suffered multiple cuts to his hands and face, and told law enforcement he lost consciousness from a blow to the head.
Gay's girlfriend, Stephanie Marshall, told Fox News that the feud was ignited by a woman Krichbaum was dating, whom Gay had previously dated. Gay claimed to police that he confronted Krichbaum because he believed Krichbaum had been harassing him over his ex-girlfriend.
Both men were hospitalized for their injuries and subsequently booked into Bay County Jail on a $50,000 bond. Gay was charged with aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, and Krichbaum was charged with aggravated battery causing bodily harm or disability.