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Felony charge dismissed in shooting of costumed child

BEAVER, Pa. (AP) — The most serious charge against a Rochester man in the shooting of a costumed child whom police said he mistook for an animal has been dismissed.

Beaver County Judge John Dohanich ruled Monday that prosecutors cannot proceed with a charge of aggravated assault against Thomas Grant, 24.

Defense attorney Steven Valsamidis challenged the charge, saying it required proof of malice. He has characterized the shooting of the 8-year-old girl as a "tragic accident."

Police said the child was in a black costume with a white feather or tassel on her hat during a Halloween party at a New Sewickley home in October.

According to police, Grant said he thought she was a skunk. He was also charged with reckless endangerment and simple assault.

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