After an exhaustive investigation, the Cornell University Police has concluded that a reported attempted rape Sept. 26 on the Trolley Bridge (connecting the Engineering Quad with Collegetown over Cascadilla Creek) did not occur, and the case has been closed.

According to Cornell Police, investigators conducted numerous interviews that included the person who reported the incident, persons associated with the reporting party, potential suspects, witnesses, business owners and employees in the vicinity of the reported incident. Investigators also collected and analyzed video and other physical evidence from multiple sources. The objective evidence, as well as information provided by individuals who interacted with the person who reported the incident during the evening it allegedly occurred, is wholly inconsistent with the account provided by the complainant.

"We take the investigation of sexual assault very seriously and devote a great deal of time and resources to these investigations," said Cornell Police Chief Kathy Zoner. "The report of this alleged incident caused considerable alarm amongst community members and resulted in the allocation of substantial resources that could have been devoted to other incidents currently under investigation by the Cornell Police."

With this case closed, the Cornell Police task force will continue to focus its resources on the other reported sexual assaults, and it remains committed to apprehending the perpetrators of those crimes.