RCMP have charged a Moncton woman with public mischief for reporting a man came out of the woods and assaulted her as she walked along a Mapleton Park trail.

Earlier this month, Megan DeWolfe, 21, told CBC News she was walking on the trail off Frampton Lane on her way to get a coffee when a man tried to grab her.

DeWolfe said she fought him off and ran home to call police.

But Sgt. Chantal Farrah of the RCMP said officers have been investigating the alleged incident since it was reported on July 3, and they concluded it didn't happen. DeWolfe was charged July 14 with mischief.

Sgt. Chantal Farrah, an RCMP spokesperson, says police believe the assault did not happen, and DeWolfe has been charged with public mischief.

"The RCMP thoroughly conducted an investigation on that complaint and information came to light that the reported incident did not take place," Farrah said Wednesday.

She would not reveal any details of what police found in their investigation, which is still going on. Details are expected to come out in court in September, she said.

The footpath off Frampton Lane in Mapleton Park. (Ian Bonnell/Radio-Canada)

Farrah said Codiac RCMP took the case seriously and it was thoroughly investigated.

"Any case of assault and any case reported to the police is thoroughly investigated," she said. "We'll always utilize the resources that are needed for that particular type of reported incident.

Frampton Lane is part of Mapleton Park, about 121 hectares of city-operated space popular among local people and tourists.

DeWolfe could not be reached for comment about the mischief charge.

In a previous interview with CBC News, she said she used to walk the trail every morning but became afraid to leave her house after the incident she said occurred the morning of July 3.

DeWolfe said the man left a small bruise when he wrapped a hand completely around the top of her arm.​

Report assaults to police

Farrah said anyone who has been a victim of any kind of assault or crime should report it to police.

"We are there to serve the community and to protect people and we can only do that when people talk to us and come forward," she said.

Megan DeWolfe was grabbed by a stranger Monday morning shortly after 8 a.m. on the Mapleton Park trail in Moncton. 0:45

Farrah said DeWolfe's story received a lot of attention from the public and reminded people that everyone should think about their safety.

"People of all genders, all ages, we have to be aware of our personal security," she said.

This can be as basic as knowing where you're walking, having a plan and telling someone where you're going, she said. If something seems suspicious or looks off, it should also be reported to police.

"Always be responsible for your personal security," she said.