Hopefully it all works out. I know that in an apartment complex the walls are usually pretty thin, and if there is central heating or air in the apartments the duct work carries sound very well. It may seem odd to those of us who have houses vs. apartments, but if there really had been something going on the man would be hailed a hero. As it is, he will probably be ridiculed by his friends and the media, and others who think that mayhaps he should have called 9-1-1 first. In the heat of the moment, thinking a woman was being harmed, he took action.
Granted, probably foolish action, who knows what he COULD have been walking into, but he DID something. I am not sure I think he should be severely punished for this. No, I don't think that he should be allowed off scot free, but there must be a middle ground where his intention to save someone from harm comes into play. He should have to replace the door,the lock, and publicly apologize, but we have to consider if we severely punish this man for trying to help someone how many other people will ever bother. Right or wrong, people should hold onto the spirit that other people's safety is at least as important as their own, and if you hear a woman screaming for help, or anyone for that matter, perhaps you should knock on the door to make sure she is alright, or that you can help if she will allow it.
This is a hazy middle ground for me, but the side I come up on more often than not, is the side that says replace what you broke, apologize for the misunderstanding, and move on. I think pressing criminal charges is a little harsh.
