The family of an innocent Abbotsford senior who was gunned down outside his own home this week is demanding more be done to stop gang violence.

On Wednesday, 74-year-old Ping Shun Ao was caught in the crossfire of a drive-by shooting police believe was targeted at his next-door neighbour.

His granddaughter, who asked not to be identified out of fear, told CTV News her family is devastated by the sudden loss.

“We’re all still in shock,” she said. “We would have never imagined it, him leaving us like that.”

The family said two grandchildren were inside the home at the time of the shooting when gunfire pierced a fence, striking Ping and killing him.

“They heard the gunshots and when they called for grandpa to see where he was, there was absolutely no response,” his granddaughter said. “They were terrified.”

She described Ping as a dedicated family man who was always there when needed, and who spent most of his time in his retirement with his grandchildren.

“He always made toys from scratch from whatever he had at home,” she said. “He pretty much taught me everything I know today: always be nice to others and they will do the same in return, always respect your elders, and have manners no matter where you are.”

Police believe the shooting may have been related to an escalating dispute on the west side of Abbostsford. It took place half a block away from surveillance cameras that were recently installed to address 18 months of gun violence between South Asian men in the area.

Investigators are still looking for information on a black SUV that was seen fleeing the area, and they’re appealing for the suspects’ families to speak with police.

“No more stonewalling, no more silence. This is where we do something about it,” Const. Ian MacDonald said.

On Friday, Ping’s family joined in that plea. They also called on the people directly responsible to think about the impact they’re having on their community.

“I hope that they know that they’re putting innocent people and young children in danger due to the activities they choose to be involved with,” Ping’s granddaughter said.

“I hope they realize that changes need to be made.”

The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team has taken over the case. Anyone with information is asked to call the IHIT tip line at 1-877-551-4448 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

With a report from CTV Vancouver’s Scott Roberts