A St. Petersburg man's attempt at shoplifting landed him in the hospital after he ran into the path of a minivan, police said.

Police said Keegan Curry, 25, was stopped outside JCPenney in Tyrone Square Mall by a loss prevention officer shortly after 3 p.m. Tuesday.

Curry pushed the officer and said, "I'm not going back to prison," then ran across the parking lot, police said.

The officer and a bystander chased Curry behind Tires Plus. Curry then ran out onto Tyrone Boulevard, where he was nearly hit by several vehicles heading southeast, police said.

Curry ran across the median and into a northwest bound lane, where he ran into the path of a 2005 Chrysler minivan, police said.

The driver of the minivan swerved to the right, but Curry was hit by the left front fender and windshield, then thrown to the pavement, police said.

Two stolen shirts were found in Curry's pants as he was being treated by rescue personnel, police said.

Curry was taken to Bayfront Medical Center in life-threatening condition. 

The minivan driver and her passengers received minor injuries.

The investigation continues.