Shoplifter chopped off security guard's ear with hatchet, say Wash. State cops

(CBS/AP) LONGVIEW, Wash. - Police in southwest Washington State say a shoplifter used a hatchet to slice off most of a store security guard's ear. The attacker remains at large.

Police have identified the suspect as 31-year-old Adrian Jess Kramer. Kramer has previous convictions for possession of a dangerous weapon, meth possession, shoplifting, burglary and assault. He is wanted on suspicion of first-degree assault and third-degree theft in Monday's confrontation.

Longview police Sgt. Doug Kazensky tells The Daily News of Longview that the shoplifter pulled a small hatchet out of his waistband Monday afternoon and swung, chopping off nearly the entire ear.

The guard was rushed to a Portland hospital for emergency plastic surgery to reattach the ear and was discharged Monday night, according to The Daily News.

Kazensky said two security officers were trying to apprehend Kramer, who was suspected of taking CDs, bike chains and other small items.

He apparently brought the hatchet to the store with him.