Alleged sex assault victim tells Delta police that attack never happened

A woman who told police she was sexually assaulted by a stranger in North Delta has told investigators the attack never happened, officials said Monday.

The alleged incident was reported to police on April 13. The woman claimed she'd been approached from behind while walking near Sunbury Hall in North Delta the night before.

On Tuesday, the department said "evidence has since come to light" that led police to believe the assault may not have happened.

"In a follow-up meeting with the woman, she confirmed the assault did not take place and recanted her statement to police," read according to a police news release Monday.

Officers' main 'concern'

Delta police said a "significant" amount of resources had been dedicated to the investigation, as sex assaults by strangers are very rare and a risk to public safety. 

"Could police resources have been put to better use during this time? Absolutely," said spokesperson ​Cris Leykauf.

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However, Leykauf said the department's main worry in light of the false report has nothing to do with resourcing.

"Our concern right now is that we do not want this news to discourage any other potential victims of sex assault from coming forward," Leykauf said.

"Our investigators will always treat these reports very seriously, and will work with the community to do our best to ensure the public's safety."

Making a false report to police is a crime and can result in criminal charges like public mischief. 

However, Delta police said officers wouldn't be pursuing charges in this case.