Two men were hospitalized and subsequently arrested following a violent altercation involving bladed weapons in a Publix supermarket parking lot on Tuesday, according to the Washington County Sheriff’s Office.
Washington County Arrests Following Parking Lot Confrontation
Everette Krichbabum and 35-year-old James Tristian Gay were taken into custody after a verbal argument escalated into a physical clash outside the grocery store, according to Panama City Police and the Washington County Sheriff’s Office reporting published by WJHG. Investigators stated that Gay arrived at the location and stopped his vehicle near Krichbabum’s car to confront him over alleged prior harassment, an admission Gay later confirmed in arrest documents.
Weapons and Physical Struggle Details
According to the arrest affidavit detailed by WJHG, Gay exited his vehicle to argue with Krichbabum before returning to his car to retrieve a machete after seeing Krichbabum hold a hatchet. Gay told investigators he chose to stay at the scene due to personal pride despite having an opportunity to leave. Krichbabum stated he displayed the hatchet because he felt threatened by his age and inability to physically defend himself. When Gay approached with the machete, Krichbabum grabbed a sheathed knife. The affidavit notes that Gay struck Krichbabum in the face with the machete while it remained in its sheath, triggering a physical struggle over both weapons that left both men with hand injuries.
Hospitalization and Charges Filed
Krichbabum told investigators that Gay struck him in the head, rendering him unconscious, while Gay admitted to stomping Krichbabum while he was on the ground, according to the sheriff’s office affidavit cited by WJHG. Both men sustained injuries requiring hospital treatment before being booked into custody. Law enforcement charged both Krichbabum and Gay with aggravated battery with a deadly weapon in connection with the Publix parking lot incident.