UPDATE: Police have determined an alleged sexual assault reported in January did not occur as initially reported to police.

The woman initially reported a stranger had sexual assaulted her in St Catharines in the area of Pelham Rd. and McKay St.

After a lengthy investigation, members of the Sexual Assault Unit have determined the man and woman had been in each other's company in the hours preceding the alleged incident.

Police said the investigation has been concluded and no criminal charges will be laid.

ORIGINAL:

Police say a 36-year-old woman was sexually assaulted while walking in St. Catharines on Friday.

The incident allegedly occurred between 7:30 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. in the area of Pelham Rd. and McKay St.

The woman was walking towards the Participark Trail in St. Catharines when an unknown male approached and sexually assaulted her.

Police are asking the public or any witnesses for their help identifying a suspect, described as a black male, approximately 5'9″ with an unknown accent.

The man had a thin build and a chin-strap beard and was wearing a black sweater, blue jeans and a black baseball hat.  

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 905-688-4111, ext. 5100.