AUGUST 7–In a faceoff straight out of the news team rumble scene in \u201cAnchorman,\u201d a machete-carrying man faced off against a hatchet-wielding opponent in the parking lot of a Publix supermarket, according to police.<\/p>\n
As detailed in a criminal complaint, cops responded Tuesday to the Panama City business and found the duo \u201ceach suffering from lacerations to their hands.\u201d<\/p>\n
Investigators say Everette Krichbaum, 52, was in his car when James Gay, 35, \u201cdrove up and stopped near him.\u201d After a \u201cverbal altercation,\u201d Gay exited his vehicle and approached Krichbaum \u201cin an aggressive manner.\u201d<\/p>\n
Gay then returned to his ride, cops charge, and \u201cretrieved a machete\u201d and struck Krichbaum in the face with the sheathed weapon. Krichbaum told police that he initially \u201cbrandished a hatchet in an attempt to deter" Gay.<\/p>\n
During the 4:30 PM \u201cstruggle over both weapons,\u201d the men each sustained hand injuries. Krichbaum, police reported, said that Gay \u201cstruck him in the head, rendering him unconscious.\u201d<\/p>\n
After being read his rights, Gay reportedly admitted stopping his car to confront Krichbaum \u201cregarding prior issues\u201d and claimed that Krichbaum \u201chad been harassing him.\u201d Gay, cops say, admitted that he had the opportunity to \u201cleave the scene but chose not to due to personal pride\u201d and that he struck Krichbaum \u201cin the head and stomped him while he was on the ground.\u201d<\/p>\n
A review of Publix surveillance video contributed to the police determination that Gay was the confrontation\u2019s primary aggressor. Charged with aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, Gay is locked up in lieu of $50,000 bond. Krichbaum, charged with aggravated battery, was booked into the county jail, where bond has yet to be set.<\/p>\n
Gay (left) and Krichbaum are seen above in mugshots taken by the Bay County Sheriff\u2019s Office. Both men were treated at a local hospital for their injuries.<\/p>\n
Gay was released from state prison in 2024 after serving 12 years in connection with the 2011 killing of a Florida teenager. Police alleged that Gay used \u201ca chain that was wrapped around his hand to strike\u201d Jacob Hendershot, 16, in the face, causing \u201ca fracture to his skull below his right eye.\u201d Gay\u2019s codefendants then subsequently murdered Hendershot. (2 pages)<\/p>\n