Woman shot during New Year’s party

ANGELINA COUNTY — Angelina County deputies arrested a man early Thursday after a woman was shot in the neck during a New Year’s party outside of Diboll, authorities said. According to our news partner KETK, deputies responded around 2 a.m. to 1100 Ryan Chapel Road following reports of a shooting. When they arrived, they found a female victim with a gunshot wound to the neck.

Authorities also found 25-year-old Kiander Chatman at the scene with blood on his shirt and hands. Deputies said Chatman had been firing a .223-caliber AR-15-style pistol in celebration during the party. The weapon, an Alpha Maxx 556, was recovered from Chatman’s vehicle.

Deputies said Chatman initially gave false information about the incident but later admitted that after shooting into the woods, he brought the gun to the porch and pulled the charging handle to “clear it,” causing the weapon to discharge.

The bullet penetrated the front door, striking the woman while she and her friends were playing UNO. The victim was transported to a local hospital with injuries authorities said were not life-threatening.

Chatman was arrested and charged with deadly conduct. He is being held at Angelina County Jail on a $75,000 bond.