Abbotsford gang war: families urged to break 'code of silence'

At a public forum Thursday night, Abbotsford police and mayor asked families to speak out about the violent Townline Hill feud that has plagued the community for 18 months.

The forum was organized last week after Ping Shun Ao, a 74-year-old grandfather, was shot and killed outside his home in the 3500 block of Promontory Court.

Investigators believe the intended target was a neighbour's house, which police have linked to the feud.

Speaking at the forum on Thursday, Abbotsford Mayor Henry Braun told residents the Abbotsford Arts Centre that the city needed their help.

"We have an issue here," said Braun. "If you see something, say something."

Abbotsford Police Chief Bob Rich also spoke at the forum, comparing the current Townline Hill feud to the Bacon brothers feud of 2009.

"If someone is willing to leave a gang, we can help," said Rich. "The hardest homicides to solve are gang homicides."

Police displayed previously released photos of those they believe are involved in the feud and a map of the pattern of crimes, including mischief, vandalism, arson, shootings and homicides.

They also revealed there was only one 9-1-1 call made when Ao was shot, and wondered if fear or a language barrier could be the reason why.

"There is a code of silence," said Rich. "Families can do more."

Feud has escalated

Abbotsford police say the Townline Hill feud may have been sparked when someone started dating another person's cousin.

Const. Ian MacDonald says it started out with acts of vandalism and property crime, but has escalated to stabbings, gun violence and deadly shootings.

"Going back to the original roots of this conflict, it was over essentially nothing," MacDonald said.

"Now here we are a year and a half in and we have gang-involved people, we have drug-involved people and obviously we have two victims that have paid the ultimate price with their lives."

Age a concern

Police say the age of the youths involved in the feud is alarming.

MacDonald says they range from 15 to 25 years old, which is a prime age to be recruited into gangs.

"In some ways it's terrifying," he said.

"You know the 15 year olds and 16 year olds who are engaged in the mischief, the property damage and the lower level stuff are just going to be moving up that ladder."

Investigators believe the shooting death of 18-year-old Harwindip Baringh last October may be linked to the feud.

Police say roughly 60 people are involved in the dispute, and they're asking their relatives to come forward with information.