SEATTLE -- A shoplifter stealing a case of beer has put a Seattle grocery clerk in the hospital.

Two employees at a North Seattle QFC store followed the man out into the parking lot Sunday night. Seattle police say the employees struggled with the man, who then hit one of the employees with his truck.

The impact sent him crashing to the ground and he hit his head. A QFC spokeswoman would only say that the clerk is "hanging in there."

But this is not an isolated incident. Last year, a shoplifter ran people over with his car while trying to flee a Kent Albertson's store.

Three years ago, at the QFC in Ballard, an employee chased shoplifters out of the store. And instead of racing off, the shoplifters circled back and ran over that employee more than once. The clerk survived, with serious injuries.

The National Association for Shoplifting Prevention says nationwide, police caught more than 10 million people shoplifting in the last five years. And it says, one in every 11 people in our country, will shoplift.

In its survey, the association reported that shoplifters bragged they can get away with their crime nearly 50 times before they get caught. And then, the survey shows they're only turned over to police in half the cases.

A QFC spokeswoman said a number of employees are calling to find out if they can donate their vacation time to their co-worker. She also said they've sent meals to his family.

Police are looking for the shoplifter, described as a man in his 50s or 60s, with a beard and glasses. He was driving a blue pickup or SUV with a white top and out of state plates.