Two men –including a wanted felon — were arrested after an argument escalated into a violent fight involving a machete and a hatchet in the parking lot of a Florida supermarket, according to authorities.
The Panama City Police Department identified the suspects as James Gay, 35, and Everette Krichbabum, 52, adding that they were each charged with aggravated battery with a deadly weapon.
Police on Wednesday said officers responded to a Publix a day prior for reports about a fight and found both men hurt.
“After securing the scene, an investigation determined that during the altercation, both individuals armed themselves with fixed-blade weapons and engaged in a physical fight,” police said in a Facebook post.”Both men sustained non-life-threatening injuries and were treated for their injuries,” police added.
The Washington County Sheriff’s Office described Kirchbabuma as a wanted felon, adding that he was arrested at his home in Vernon, Florida.
According to WJHG, witnesses told authorities Gay was the “primary aggressor,” as he drove up to confront Krichbabum over an ongoing personal dispute. After the argument intensified, Krichbabum allegedly displayed a hatchet. Police said Gay then retrieved a machete from his car.
Authorities said Gay hit Krichbabum with the sheathed machete, and the two men struggled over their weapons, per the media outlet, with both men suffering hand injuries during the fight.
Anyone who has information about the case was urged to contact the Panama City Police Department at 850-872-3100 or submit an anonymous tip through Crime Stoppers at 850-785-TIPS.