Stephen Palmer Dowdney, wanted in wine bottle attack 12-15-04 Stephen Palmer Dowdney Stephen Palmer Dowdney

Stephen Palmer Dowdney was allegedly trying to sneak out of Larry's Market in Bellevue with an expensive bottle of wine when a store security worker confronted him and another man last Thursday, police said.

Dowdney swung the bottle at the security worker. The bottle hit the worker in the head and then smashed into the man who was allegedly helping him steal the wine, police said.

The other alleged shoplifter was knocked to the ground. He was taken to a hospital, where he underwent surgery for a fractured skull.

Dowdney fled and is being sought by police. He is white, 34 years old, 6 feet 1 inch tall, 175 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes.

Anyone with information about him is asked to call Crimestoppers at (800) CRIME-13.