3 Doors Down bassist Todd Harrell was cleared of a misdemeanor simple assault charge that stemmed from an alleged altercation in which he was accused of decking one of his party guests.

Judge Jason Thornton dismissed the charges against the 30-year-old Escatawpa, Mississippi, native Thursday in a Jackson County courtroom because the accusation and incident account provided by the alleged victim, 49-year-old Terry Alexander, were insufficient.

Alexander filed a complaint May 17 claiming he was attacked a few days before at a party in Harrell's home. The alleged altercation was over a tape recorder Alexander brought to the party, which he said he used to help him remember things. Six days after Alexander reported the incident to the police, Harrell turned himself in to the sheriff's department (see [article id="1454520"]"3 Doors Down Bassist Turns Self In, Faces Assault Charges"[/article]).

In court, Harrell told the judge he feared Alexander was using the recorder to tape an unreleased 3 Doors Down song that was being previewed at the party. After snatching the recorder from Alexander, Harrell admitted he held out his arm to prevent Alexander from taking it back, though he said he never punched the man.

Away From the Sun, 3 Doors Down's follow-up to 2000's The Better Life, is due November 12.