According to Metro Market Store Manager Howard Abdullah, a clerk chased after the man as he walked out of the market not having paid for some packaged meat. The two struggled with each other, causing the shoplifter to lose his wallet. He escaped in a pickup, which was already running, Abdullah says.
Police say the truck had been stolen from the Memphis Light, Gas and Water Division.
Using the identification in the wallet as a lead, police are searching for Memphis resident Willie Patrick, 40. Memphis police Lt. Richard Granderson says Patrick was on parole from a previous conviction for car theft and his parole term was scheduled to expire on the day the incident occurred.