Damian J. Blystone, 19, looks back to speak with gathered family and friends while being escorted to a police cruiser by a Pennsylvania State Police Trooper following a preliminary trial in district court in Chicora Tuesday. Blystone is facing charges for his involvement in the shooting at Clearview Mall Jan. 18. Seb Foltz/Butler Eagle

SAXONBURG — Prosecutors changed charges related to stolen guns against a Butler man who also was involved in the Jan. 18 shooting at the Clearview Mall in Center Township.

Damian J. Blystone, 19, appeared for two preliminary hearings Wednesday before District Judge Sue Haggerty. Blystone arrived from Butler County Prison, where he is being held without bond on a separate case connected to the mall shooting.

Blystone, who pleaded guilty to all charges, saw some charges reduced or dismissed Wednesday.

“In totality across the two cases, he’s in a substantially better position than he was before,” said Blystone’s attorney, Jacob Wyland, following the hearings.

In both cases, Blystone was charged with one felony count of prohibited ownership of a firearm, which assumes he was convicted of a crime in the past that would make it illegal for him to possess a gun.

Assistant District Attorney David Beichner said he reviewed Blystone’s criminal record, and he changed the charge to felony carrying a gun without a license. The change downgraded the felony from a second-degree to a third-degree offense.

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