A Vineyard man who allegedly threatened to bring a shotgun to Martha’s Vineyard Hospital had his charges reduced in Edgartown District Court Friday.

Stephen Green, 67, was released from court after Judge Benjamin C. Barnes reduced his terroristic threats charge, which is a felony, to a threat to commit a crime, which is a misdemeanor.

He was arraigned on Sept. 15 and pleaded not guilty to the initial charge. He has not changed his plea.

According to a statement from the Oak Bluffs police issued on Monday, Sept. 15, Mr. Green threatened a hospital employee over the phone the day before, after calling to inquire about a bill. When the hospital employee informed him that the billing department was closed and advised him to call back Monday, Mr. Green told the employee he would be arriving at the hospital with a shotgun, police said.

Police stated Mr. Green made incriminating statements when they called him by phone and again when meeting with officers at a business on State Road in Tisbury, at which point they arrested him.

According to Mr. Green’s attorney Rob Moriarty, the charges were reduced to help Mr. Green, who is a veteran, qualify for VA housing off-Island. Mr. Moriarty said Mr. Green will relocate soon.

“It’s my understanding that the victim is okay with it,” he added.

Mr. Green is schedule to reappear in court in March to have his case reviewed.