SLIPPERY ROCK — A Harrisville man police were searching for last month saw charges amended in another case Wednesday afternoon.

Ryan A. Williams, 44, was charged by state police in November with felony burglary, misdemeanor theft and summary criminal mischief.

Police said in the affidavit he took construction equipment, including a circular saw, framing gun and leaf blower, from a residence without permission.

At a preliminary hearing Wednesday in Slippery Rock, assistant district attorney David Beichner agreed to reduce the charges to only a summary count of criminal mischief.

District Judge Joseph Nash said that since the tools in question were recovered and returned to the owner, he would grant the reduction and allow Williams to cover court costs with time served.

Williams is currently in Butler County Prison for charges of felony burglary, theft, robbery and possessing a firearm, and misdemeanor charges of simple assault and terroristic threats following a string of December incidents.

On Dec. 3, Williams and Tiffany L. Lowers, 35, of Slippery Rock, entered a Washington Township residence through a locked door.

Williams reportedly picked up a hunting knife and held it toward the homeowner while making demands, threatening to cut off the homeowner’s fingers. Police said Williams then attempted to restrain the homeowner with bed sheets.

Williams went about the entire residence and stole a Remington 870 pump action, 12-gauge shotgun, according to documents.

Based on previous criminal history, police said Williams is not allowed to possess a firearm.

On Dec. 18, Williams was charged with felony aggravated assault and intimidating a witness, misdemeanor reckless endangerment and summaries harassment and disorderly conduct after witnesses reported seeing him with the stolen firearm.

State police said they were contacted at 4 a.m. for a report of shots fired in Concord Township. The homeowner from the burglary incident regarding Williams reported that a dark sedan approached the address and parked.

When gunshots were heard outside, the homeowner said Williams was pointing the gun at the house and shooting toward the residence. The homeowner told police he thought Williams was retaliating after the previous crime had been reported.

Police asked for the public’s help in locating Williams and apprehended him Dec. 20 on an anonymous tip. According to documents, Lowers was found with Williams.

Preliminary hearings for the December incidents are scheduled for Jan. 17 before District Judge Lewis Stoughton in Chicora.