Man waives hearing in shooting of costumed girl

FREEDOM, Pa. (AP) - November 2, 2012 (WPVI) -- A Pennsylvania man who apparently shot a young relative after mistaking her costume for a skunk has been ordered to stand trial on charges of assault and reckless endangerment.

Thomas Grant waived a preliminary hearing before a Beaver County magistrate on Thursday.

Police say the girl was in a black costume with a white feather or tassel on her hat during a Halloween party at a New Sewickley home on Oct. 20.

The Beaver County Times reports investigators said the girl was lying face down and motionless during a game of hide-and-seek when she was shot.

Grant's attorney called the shooting a "tragic accident" and says his client's first concern is the girl's well-being. He says he'll ask to have the charges dismissed.

The girl is recovering from her wounds.

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