An alleged sexual assault of an 18-year-old girl in a residential neighbourhood didn’t actually happen, Richmond Mounties revealed on Thursday morning.
Almost two weeks ago, the RCMP appealed to the public for information after the girl claimed she was sexually assaulted in the early evening of Friday, Oct. 7 as she walked alone on Ash Street towards General Currie Road.
The girl told police she was approached from behind by a man near Paulik Park Community Garden before being pushed to the ground and forcibly, sexually assaulted. She told investigators she managed to fight off her attacker before escaping.
In the hours and days following the alleged attack, Richmond RCMP dedicated a team of seasoned investigators to the case and conducted comprehensive neighbourhood canvassing, as well as analysis of video surveillance footage.
Asked whether charges may be laid for misleading the police and using up vital resources, Richmond RCMP spokesperson Cpl. Dennis Hwang told The News that charges were “not being considered at this time.”
All police could say was that “investigators have determined that a sexual assault did not occur and that public safety is not at risk.
“We have examined this case with objective eyes and treated it with the utmost sensitivity,” added Hwang.
“After a thorough and extensive investigation, our investigators have determined that a sexual assault did not occur.
“For the community of Richmond and especially those that live around the area surrounding Paulik Park Community Garden, it is our responsibility to provide this new information and alleviate any safety concerns.”
