Public Radio for the Piedmont and High Country
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Woman who claimed assault in Tanglewood Park charged for false report

Sheriff Bobby Kimbrough behind a podium speaking at a press conference with three flags behind him.
Forsyth County Sheriff's Office
Forsyth County Sheriff Bobby Kimbrough speaking at a press conference on the Tanglewood assault Friday, August 7, 2026.

Twenty-six-year-old Kaitlyn Mackenzie Bryant has been charged with felony obstruction of justice and a misdemeanor count of filing a false police report.

Sheriff Bobby Kimbrough says investigators disproved her claims using interviews, technology, and DNA testing.

Bryant was given a $50,000 unsecured bond before her next court appearance on August 20.

It’s been over a month since Bryant told police she’d been attacked by a man while jogging in the park. The report led to a massive manhunt.

At a press conference, authorities said the investigation cost more than $46,000.

Rachel Moody is from Wake Forest where she got her start in journalism as an intern for The Wake Weekly. Before joining WFDD, she was a reporter and producer for UNC-Chapel Hill’s student radio program Carolina Connection. Rachel’s work has been published by WFAE, WUNC, WRAL and more. In 2026, she was recognized by the Hearst Journalism Awards Program for her podcast about body dysmorphia in boys and men. During her college career, she also wrote for The Daily Tar Heel’s opinion desk as an editorial board member and columnist.

Support quality journalism, like the story above,
with your gift right now.

Donate