San Luis Obispo, CA -- The San Luis Obispo firefighter accused of beating a man at a local restaurant will stand trial. 34-year-old John Ryan Mason is accused of attacking 32-year-old Jory Brigham in the bathroom at Pappy McGregor's in San Luis Obispo in June. During a preliminary hearing Thursday afternoon, Mason's attorney asked the court to reduce his client's charge to a misdemeanor. That motion was denied. Defense Attorney Chris Casciola believes it was denied solely on the injuries that occurred in the incident.

During the hearing, a witness for the defense said Mason was trying to defuse the situation at the restaurant, not prompt a fight. Meantime, the prosecution said Mason has been involved in a similar incident in the past. The prosecution claims Mason hit another man on the head with a champagne glass.