MASSENA — A felony assault charge was reduced Wednesday for a 20-year-old man accused of using a knife to make an 8-inch cut on his girlfriend's back, prosecutors said.

Massena Village Judge Eric J. Gustafson reduced the second-degree assault charge against Adam Gauthier, of 71/2 Main St., to misdemeanor third-degree assault because of a lack of evidence to support the felony charge after a preliminary hearing, St. Lawrence County Assistant District Attorney Thomas C. Finnerty Jr. said.

The woman reportedly was attacked by Mr. Gauthier Aug. 24 with a fishing knife. She also had several bruises and small cuts on her legs, including some from a previous incident, village police said at the time.

The woman and Massena Patrolman Mark Englert testified at the hearing. Mr. Finnerty said the DA's office hasn't determined yet whether to present the evidence to a county grand jury.