Maple Ridge inmate at large after walking away from community work site

Ridge Meadows RCMP are asking the public to help locate an inmate who walked away from his community service group Tuesday.

Forty-three-year-old Barry David Smith, a BC Corrections inmate, walked away from his work crew near the local SPCA on Jackson Road in Maple Ridge around 1 p.m. on Tuesday.

An extensive search by BC Corrections and local police failed to locate Smith.

RCMP say Smith is not deemed a danger to the public.

“Mr. Smith does not have a record for violence, and it is not felt he is an imminent threat to the public’s safety,” said Corporal Brenda Winpenny.

“However, citizens are cautioned that if they see, or encounter Smith they should not confront him, but call police immediately at 9-1-1.”

Smith is described as Caucasian, 6’1″ tall, 170 pounds, with brown hair and hazel eyes. He has a fair complexion and has some stubble for facial hair. He also has two tattoos on his right arm, one on his left, and a fourth on his lower back. He was last seen wearing a long sleeved white shirt, black work boots, and red pants.

Anyone with information on Smith’s whereabouts are asked to call Ridge Meadows RCMP at 604-463-6251, or if you wish to remain anonymous call CRIME STOPPERS at 1-800-222-8477.