The Vancouver Police Department is actively seeking a convicted sex offender who recently absconded from his Vancouver halfway house. Dean Robert Merrick, 58 years old, failed to return to the Downtown Eastside facility after attending an appointment on Commercial Drive. Authorities have issued a Canada-wide warrant for his arrest.
Described as 6’2” tall and weighing approximately 200 pounds, Merrick is recognizable by his bald head, brown hair on the sides, and piercing blue eyes. He often wears a black jacket, a white T-shirt, green cargo pants, a black ball cap, and gray-and-black running shoes. Notably, he sports various tattoos on his left arm, such as a flag and a cowboy.
Having served an 18-year prison sentence for sexual offenses, Merrick was under a long-term supervision order upon his release. The VPD urges anyone with information on his whereabouts to contact 911 immediately.