VANCOUVER Police are searching for convicted sex offender Dean Robert Merrick, who is wanted Canada-wide after leaving his halfway house in Vancouver earlier on Wednesday.

Merrick, 58, is serving an 18-year sentence for sexual offences. He had been living at a halfway house in the Downtown Eastside after being released from jail on a long-term supervision order.

Shortly before 9:30 a.m. this morning, Merrick left the halfway house to attend an appointment on Commercial Drive. He failed to return, and a Canada-wide warrant was issued for his arrest.

Merrick is 6’2 and about 200 pounds. He is bald, with brown greying hair on the sides and blue eyes. He may be wearing a black jacket over a white t-shirt, green cargo pants, a black ball cap, and grey and black running shoes. He has multiple tattoos, including a flag and a cowboy on his left arm.

Anyone who sees Dean Robert Merrick, or knows his whereabouts, is asked to call 9-1-1 immediately.