A $10,000 reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest of a convicted killer who walked away from a prison in B.C.’s Fraser Valley.
Shawn Merrick, 43, was serving time for the second-degree murder of Shelly Lynn Devoe when he vanished from the Ferndale minimum security institution on March 31.
Police believe Merrick has returned to his criminal ways.
At a news conference, RCMP said he is now wanted for attempting to rob a Surrey bank in the 15900 block of Fraser Highway on April 17, along with another business. He’s also a suspect in multiple robberies in Langley.
Cpl. Scotty Schumann said it’s believed the convict is armed and dangerous.
“We believe that Mr. Merrick is a desperate man and will do what he has to sustain his lifestyle,” Schumann told reporters.
"The public should be concerned about anybody who is desperate enough to rob a bank. These acts are not done by a person who is thinking clearly or rationally."
The Canadian Bankers Association has put up a cash reward.
Dan Weaver says the effect of bank robberies on staff can be devastating.
“Some employees aren't affected; other employees will require medical attention and may be off on stress leave for an extended period of time,” he said.
Merrick is 5’8 tall, 141 pounds with brown hair and blue eyes. He has a skull tattoo on his chest and a dragon on his right arm.
If you see him, police say to call 911 immediately.
Anyone with information is asked to call Surrey RCMP at 604-599-0502 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
