Crime

Woman who alleged sexual assault at Point Defiance Park filed a false report, police say

In this 2005 file photo, the western bluffs of the outer Five Mile Drive at Point Defiance Park in Tacoma can be seen.
In this 2005 file photo, the western bluffs of the outer Five Mile Drive at Point Defiance Park in Tacoma can be seen. Drew Perine/The News Tribune

A woman who claimed she was sexually assaulted near the Point Defiance dog park is now accused of filing a false report.

Detectives launched an investigation on Dec. 11, 2024 after the department received a report from the woman, who alleged she was walking her dog when “an unknown male suspect” attacked her. The Police Department expended numerous resources during the investigation, including forensic analysis and witness interviews, according to a news release.

The release said the city’s Prosecutor’s Office reviewed all available evidence and concluded the information provided did not align with the findings of the investigation. The woman now has been charged with filing a false report.

“The Tacoma Police Department understands the serious nature of sexual assault and the impact such reports have on our community. It is committed to thoroughly investigating all reports,” the release said.

This story was originally published March 11, 2025 at 3:57 PM.

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Puneet Bsanti
The News Tribune
Puneet Bsanti is the East Pierce County Reporter for The News Tribune. She started with the newspaper in 2023 as the breaking news reporter. After she graduated from Washington State University, she was an intern for the Bellingham Herald. Her work in breaking news was recognized by the Society of Professional Journalists in 2022. Support my work with a digital subscription
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