PANAMA CITY, Fla. — Two men are facing serious criminal charges after a confrontation in a Publix parking lot escalated into a violent physical altercation involving weapons. The Washington County Sheriff’s Office and the Panama City Police Department (PCPD) reported that the incident occurred on Tuesday, August 4, resulting in arrests for both individuals involved.
Escalation from Road Rage to Weaponized Violence
The conflict reportedly began on a nearby road before moving into the parking lot of the grocery store. According to police affidavits obtained by local media outlets, 52-year-old Everette Krichbabum was in his vehicle when another car pulled up and stopped near him. The other driver, identified as 35-year-old James Tristan Gay, exited his vehicle to confront Krichbahum.
Police documents indicate that the altercation started verbally but quickly turned physical once both men exited their vehicles. The situation intensified significantly after Gay returned to his car and reemerged wielding a machete. In response, Krichbabum was accused of arming himself with a hatchet. Authorities stated that Gay struck Krichbahum with the machete while it remained in its sheath.
Arrests and Legal Charges
The struggle resulted in both men sustaining non-life-threatening injuries, which required hospitalization. During the altercation, Krichbabum reportedly fell unconscious. Gay later admitted to investigators that he stomped on the elder man while he was lying on the ground.
Both suspects were arrested and charged with aggravated battery with a deadly weapon. The PCPD identified Gay as the main aggressor in the incident. Krichbahum was taken into custody without incident by the Washington County Sheriff’s Office at his residence in Vernon, Florida. Gay was also booked following the investigation.
Statements from Investigators
During interviews with law enforcement, both men provided differing accounts of their motivations and actions during the fight. Gay stated that he was aware he could have left the scene before the machete confrontation occurred but chose not to do so because "personal pride" prevented him from fleeing.
Conversely, Krichbahum told authorities that he felt threatened by Gay’s aggression. He claimed that due to his age and physical limitations, he brandished his hatchet solely as a deterrent to stop the attack. According to Krichbahum, this defensive measure ultimately failed to prevent the violence.
As of the latest reports from law enforcement agencies in Washington County, both men remain hospitalized with their injuries described as non-life-threatening. The legal proceedings for aggravated battery charges are now underway through the Florida court system.
