Throat slashing of teen girl in Okotoks didn't happen, RCMP says

Throat slashing of teen girl in Okotoks didn't happen, RCMP says

A reported attack against a teenage girl in Okotoks, Alta. — which attracted widespread attention after the girl's family said her throat was cut by a stranger — didn't actually happen, RCMP said Friday.

On Nov. 18, police were called to a residence in Okotoks — about 40 kilometres south of Calgary — for a report of a man assaulting a youth in the backyard of her home in the Cimarron Vista area.

The girl's mother gave a lengthy description of the attack on Facebook and to some media, saying her daughter said she was taking her dog outside when she was attacked.

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Police have not named the family.

The mother said she suspected the man was attempting to break into the home.

The post, which was shared extensively on social media, has since been removed.

"Following a thorough investigation, the RCMP have determined that this event did not take place as originally reported," police said in the release on Friday.

"This investigation is being concluded and the RCMP can advise that they are not seeking any suspect, or further information."

"This reported situation became magnified as a result of social media" said RCMP Cpl. Darryl Dawkins in the release.

"It is a reminder to the community that the RCMP is committed to and will diligently investigate all complaints and report on them accurately."