Hastings man avoids jail time after drawing handgun during argument

GRAND ISLAND, Neb. (KSNB) - A Hastings man will serve probation following a 2023 dispute in which a handgun was drawn.

Darin Chaon, 52, pleaded no contest and was convicted of misdemeanor assault and false reporting. He initially faced felony weapons and terroristic threats charges, but they were dropped as part of a plea agreement.

Court records show the dispute took place in June 2023 in the parking lot of the north Walmart in Grand Island. Surveillance video from a nearby restaurant indicated Chaon drew a handgun during the argument.

On Tuesday, a judge sentenced Chaon to 18 months of probation, with conditions that include no drugs, alcohol, or possession of firearms. He is also required to complete an anger management class.

Chaon was fined $2,000. The judge also imposed a jail term starting Dec. 1, 2025, but this can be waived if he complies with the terms of his probation.