Police are searching for a man who punched a store employee Tuesday as he was trying to escape from a grocery store with stolen merchandise.

Miami-Dade police said a man grabbed items from a Publix store at 11750 SW 104th St. just after noon and then tried to leave the store without paying.

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A store employee approached the man, who threw the victim to the ground and punched him, Miami-Dade police said.

The thief escaped on a bicycle.

The man is described as 30-45 years old. He was wearing a white T-shirt, blue jeans and a hat and was carrying a backpack.

Anyone with information is asked to call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS (8477).