Major crime investigators are looking to identify a South Asian man wearing military-style dog tags around his neck in connection with the recent sexual assault of an Abbotsford woman.

Two men in a newer model white pickup truck followed and then dragged the 19-year-old woman walking near Pauline and Homeview streets into their truck around 7 p.m. on Feb. 2.

The assailants, described as South Asian men, drove to a nearby parking lot in the 34000 block of Gladys Avenue where they sexually assaulted the victim inside the vehicle.

Const. Ian MacDonald said the dog tags are a distinctive item, and someone may recall seeing a South Asian man wearing them while in the area where the attack took place.

"It's believed that this man may have some connection to the incident or may have knowledge of it," MacDonald said.

"As a result, we are requesting the public's assistance now to identify this man."

investigators believe the dog tags are a critical piece of witness information.

"We've received tons of tips . . . and we think this will be something that can open up the investigation," MacDonald said.

Even if the individual associated with the neckpiece discards it, people he may know will still be able to identify him, he added.

"Friends, family members and acquaintances will remember [the necklace]. He might remove the tags but it will be difficult for the person to remove the memory in other peoples' minds."

Anyone with information about the identity of the man wearing tags or information about the Feb. 2 attack should call the Abbotsford Police at 604-859-5225 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

RBaker@abbotsfordtimes.com

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