LACEY TWP. -- Police are asking for the public's help in identifying a man they say punched a security guard Friday evening after stealing merchandise from Walmart.

Police say shortly before 9 p.m. a Walmart security guard approached a man as he exited the store after seeing him steal merchandise.

The man, police said, then punched the security guard in the face before running across Route 9 into the woods adjacent to the Spring Oak Assisted Living.

The Ocean County Sheriff's Department responded with a K-9 in an attempt to locate the man, but they couldn't find him.

The man is accused of stealing an item worth $6.

Police are asking anyone with information to call the Lacey Township Police Department at 609-693-6636, or submit an anonymous crime tip through the department's website.

Alex Napoliello may be reached at anapoliello@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @alexnapoNJ. Find NJ.com on Facebook.