Clerk Shot, Killed Armed Robbery Suspect, Cops Say

TAMPA, FL — A 19-year-old man is dead following a Sunday night armed robbery attempt at a Tampa liquor store.

According to the Tampa Police Department, two men wearing ski masks and hoodies walked into Cut Rate Liquors, 3312 N. 15th St., just before 11 p.m. and pointed guns at the clerk while demanding cash. The clerk pulled out a gun and at least one of the suspects fired at him. The clerk fired back, striking one of the men and killing him.

Police have identified the man who died as Cody Bolesta. Bolesta has no known address. Detectives are working to identify the second suspect at this time. That man fled the store after the shooting, police wrote in an email to media.

The clerk, Willie Morris, 57, was not injured in the incident.

Whether charges will be filed against Morris remains unclear.

“At this time it appears to be a case of self-defense, but the case will be presented to the State Attorney’s Office for a final determination,” the police department wrote.

No further information is available at this time.

Image via Shutterstock

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