Two men in Florida faced charges following a heated confrontation that resulted in injuries. The incident took place on August 4. The men, Everette Krichbaum, 52, and James Gay, 35, engaged in a physical altercation in a Publix parking lot located in Panama City. Both men wielded weapons. Krichbaum used a hatchet, while Gay armed himself with a machete, according to reports by the Bay County Sheriff’s Office.

The altercation began when Gay, reportedly the main aggressor, approached Krichbaum sitting in his car, initiating a verbal exchange. Shortly after, Gay retrieved a machete from his vehicle, striking Krichbaum in the face. The conflict between them stemmed from a disagreement over a woman who was romantically involved with both men at different times.

Police documents highlighted details of the physical confrontation. Krichbaum reportedly swung a hatchet during the fight. Upon arrival, officers discovered Gay with severe injuries, including a deep cut on his pinky finger and an abdominal puncture. Krichbaum also sustained multiple lacerations to his hands and face, claiming he lost consciousness after being hit by Gay.

Gay was arrested on that same day, facing charges of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon. The incident was not his first violent encounter; records revealed that in 2011, Gay was convicted of killing a 16-year-old in a separate incident involving a chain wrapped around his hand.

Following his hospital release, authorities charged Krichbaum with aggravated battery causing bodily harm or disability. He was detained by the Washington County Sheriff’s Office alongside assistance from the U.S. Marshals Florida/Caribbean Regional Fugitive Task Force.

As of August 7, both men are held at Bay County Jail. Attempts to reach both for comment were unsuccessful. Information regarding Krichbaum’s legal representation remains unavailable, while Gay is noted to be representing himself.