A sexual assault reported near a Woodbury lake in April did not happen, police said Tuesday.
The 33-year-old woman who reported being attacked as she jogged on the northeast side of Markgrafs Lake admitted that she made up the story, said Jay Alberio, Woodbury police commander.
The woman initially told authorities she was attacked about 5:30 a.m. on April 23. She was treated at a hospital for minor injuries.
The four-month investigation started to accrue evidence that disputed her story and, under questioning by detectives, the woman admitted she had lied, Alberio said. Detectives did not pursue why she made up the attack, but police will review the case to determine whether she should be charged, Alberio said.
"It was an emotional and sensitive situation," he said. "Sometimes it's more important that the individual gets connected to the resources they need."
He did not elaborate.
The initial report alarmed residents of the area, which is built up with duplexes, apartments and single-family homes.
Although a detective and other investigators worked regularly on the case for four months, Alberio said the department is not frustrated that it turned out to be a fake. False reports of sexual assaults are rare.
