A convicted killer who escaped from Mission Institution's minimum security facility more than a month ago is a suspect in numerous robberies in the Surrey and Langley areas.
Shawn Merrick, 43, is wanted for two counts of robbery allegedly stemming from two incidents on April 17 in Surrey.
According to Surrey RCMP, a male attempted to rob a bank in the 15900 block of Fraser Highway around 1 p.m. About a half hour later, police responded to another robbery report in the 15100 block of 101 Avenue. The suspect was described as a while male in his late 40s to 50s with blond hair and a black jacket.
Police believe the same person is responsible for both incidents.
Merrick is also a suspect in a number of recent robberies in Langley.
Merrick is described as a 43-year-old Caucasian male with light brown hair and blue eyes. He is about 5'8" and weighs 141 pounds. He has a tattoo of a skull on the left side of his chest and a dragon on his right upper arm. He also has a burn scar on his right forearm.
Merrick is wanted on a Canada wide warrant. He was serving an indeterminate sentence for second degree murder and robbery offences.
The Canadian Bankers Association is offering a $10,000 reward for any information leading to the arrest and conviction of Merrick.
Police say Merrick represents a threat to the safety of the public and should be considered dangerous. Anyone who sees him is advised not to approach him.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Surrey RCMP at 604-599-0502 or Crime Stoppers, if they wish to remain anonymous, at 1-800-222-8477 or www.solvecrime.ca.