The family of David Melanson, a 21-year-old Vernon man, who was last seen in Kamloops early yesterday morning, are telling people not to approach him if they see him.

Tracy Gunther tells NL News that her relative escaped from the South Hills Psychiatric Centre on the North Shore, early yesterday morning.

“He escaped from there in the middle of the night. He smashed the window. He left without his glasses, without his shoes, without anything,” she said.

“I know if people go up to try to talk to him, he’s not going to make any sense at all. I think he might be combative if people try to come up to him. He’s a very high risk person.”

Kamloops RCMP say Melanson was last seen in a white t-shirt, black sweat pants, with no socks or shoes on at the time.  RCMP also note he’s about five-foot-nine with brown eyes and olive skin.

“David also has no glasses, so he won’t be able to see very well. He hasn’t been taking his medication, so he’s a very very high risk person, especially right now,” Gunther added.

RCMP say anyone with details on Melanson’s whereabouts is asked to call police.