Abbotsford Police are warning the public to be wary that two sexual predators are still on the loose and could strike again.
Const. Ian MacDonald said police have received numerous tips about the two men involved in the brutal assault of a 19-year-old woman on Feb. 2, including their possible identities.
He said the Abbotsford Police Department has made the investigation its top priority. However, following up on the tips and making an arrest can take time.
“They (the assailants) are still out there, despite the fact we have several helpful tips ... These two are not in custody, and we need the general public to exercise caution when it comes to personal safety,” MacDonald said.
He reminded women to be alert of their surroundings, walk in pairs, travel in well-lit areas and arrange a ride whenever possible. He suggested that women ensure someone accompanies them to or from their vehicle when they are walking across a parking lot.
The 19-year-old victim was walking along the sidewalk in the area of Pauline and Homeview streets at about 7 p.m., when she saw a newer-model white pickup truck pass her twice as she headed east toward a bus stop.
As the woman approached the intersection of Pauline and Laurel streets, the passenger exited the truck, grabbed the woman and pushed her into the rear seat.
The driver parked the vehicle a short distance away and both men sexually assaulted her. She was then pushed out of the truck and onto the ground in a parking lot in the area of the 34000 block of Gladys Avenue.
Both men are South Asian. The driver is described as in his late 20s, about 5’10”, clean-shaven, with a thin build and short black hair. He was wearing a dark jacket and blue T-shirt.
The passenger is described as heavy-built, in his late 20s to early 30s, about 5’ 11” to six feet, with short dark hair and a full beard. At the time of the attack, he was wearing a yellow shirt, grey hoodie and tear-away track pants.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Abbotsford Police Department at 604-859-5225 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.