PORTLAND, OR — A shoplifting incident at a local grocery store has escalated from a parking lot brawl to a high-stakes civil lawsuit. Joshua Merkel, 45, is suing Albertsons for $10,000, claiming a store clerk inflicted severe physical injuries and mental anguish after Merkel attempted to steal a cart full of groceries.
The lawsuit, filed in Multnomah County Circuit Court, follows a dramatic criminal trial where the clerk involved was recently acquitted of assault charges.
“I Was Hungry”: A Theft Turned Violent
The incident occurred at the Albertsons off Beaverton-Hillsdale Highway in Southwest Portland. Merkel admitted in court that he loaded a shopping cart with lunch meat, frozen corn dogs, enchiladas, and cookies with no intention of paying.
As Merkel exited the store, he was confronted by cashier Matthew “Deme” Cooper. Surveillance footage captured the tense moments as the situation turned physical in the parking lot. While the full extent of the fight happened off-camera, the aftermath was clear:
- Medical Records: Merkel suffered a shattered jaw and a severe black eye.
- The Allegation: Merkel claims Cooper “body slammed” him and kicked him in the face multiple times.
- The Defense: Cooper’s attorney argued the clerk was acting under adrenaline during a “tug-of-war” over the cart and questioned Merkel’s motives, suggesting the items were being stolen to trade for drugs.
Jury Sides With Clerk in Criminal Trial
Despite the severity of Merkel’s injuries, a jury took less than two hours to find Cooper not guilty of second-degree assault in September.
Prosecutors argued that the violence “went way too far” for a simple shoplifting case. However, the defense successfully painted a picture of a frustrated retail worker dealing with the rampant theft issues currently plaguing Portland. Cooper, who has past ties to the far-right group Patriot Prayer, did not testify during the trial.
Portland’s Shoplifting Crisis by the Numbers
The confrontation highlights a growing “retail battlefront” in the city. According to Portland Police Bureau data, shoplifting reports have seen a staggering increase:
| Year | Shoplifting Reports | % Increase |
| 2020 | ~3,000 | Baseline |
| 2025 | 10,300+ | 240% |
Police attribute part of this jump to better reporting systems, but security experts warn that the environment has become a “lose-lose” for employees. “If your job is to check groceries, then check groceries,” says use-of-force expert Mac McKnight. “Generally speaking, we don’t recommend punching people to reclaim property.”
The End of an Era for Bridlemile Albertsons
The fallout from the incident has had a permanent impact on the neighborhood. The Albertsons location on Beaverton-Hillsdale Highway, where the assault took place, permanently closed its doors in July.
While many retailers blame “shrinkage” (theft) for closures, the legal battle over this specific incident continues. Merkel’s civil suit is currently eligible for arbitration, though no official court date has been set.
What do you think, Portland? Should a store clerk have the right to use force to protect merchandise, or did this situation cross the line? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
