Full Breakdown
Machete and Hatchet Fight Outside Panama City Publix Leads to Aggravated Battery Charges
8/9/2026, 9:06:41 PM
Core Incident
On August 4, a confrontation erupted in the parking lot of a Publix on Highway 231 in Panama City, Florida. Police identified the participants as 35-year-old James Gay and 52-year-old Everette Krichbaum. Gay approached Krichbaum’s vehicle, engaged in a verbal dispute, then retrieved a machete from his car and struck Krichbaum in the face with the sheathed weapon. Krichbaum displayed a hatchet; the two men struggled over the blades, during which Gay hit Krichbaum in the head, rendering him unconscious. Both sustained injuries to their hands and faces and were taken to a hospital before being arrested.
Background & Prior Convictions
James Gay has a criminal history in Bay County, including a 2011 conviction for a murder case that resulted in a 15-year sentence; he was released early in June 2024. No prior violent incidents involving Krichbaum were noted.
Timeline of Events
- August 4 – Verbal altercation escalates to a melee involving a machete and a hatchet.
- The next day – Both men are taken to the hospital, then booked into the Bay County Jail.
- Subsequent days – The Washington County Sheriff’s Office arrests Krichbaum at a residence in Vernon; Gay is held on a $50,000 bond.
Data & Injuries
- Krichbaum suffered facial lacerations and a head wound that caused temporary unconsciousness.
- Gay sustained a deep cut to his pinky finger exposing bone and a puncture wound to his lower abdomen.
- Each defendant faces a charge of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon; Krichbaum’s charge includes bodily harm or disability.
Official Law-Enforcement Statements
The Panama City Police Department’s affidavit designates Gay as the “primary aggressor,” noting he could have left the scene but retrieved the machete. The Washington County Sheriff’s Office confirmed Krichbaum’s arrest and described him as a wanted felon. Both agencies reported the injuries were non-life-threatening and that the suspects were treated and released to custody.
Conflicting Details & Gaps
Reports differ on the weapon sequence. Some accounts say Krichbaum first flashed the hatchet to deter Gay; others suggest Krichbaum grabbed a knife after Gay’s initial strike. The spelling of Krichbaum’s surname varies across outlets, though it refers to the same individual. No public statements from either suspect were obtained.
Upcoming Legal Proceedings
Both men remain incarcerated in the Bay County Jail pending arraignment. Krichbaum’s first court appearance is scheduled for the Thursday after his arrest, with a $50,000 bond. Gay is representing himself and is also held on a $50,000 bond. No further court dates have been announced.
