[TBO] One of two men attempting to rob a Tampa liquor store was shot to death in an exchange of gunfire with the clerk late Sunday, police said.Cody Bolesta, 20, was found fatally shot on the sidewalk near Cut Rate Liquors, at 3312 N. 15th St., in the V.M. Ybor neighborhood, police said.
Detectives are working to track down the other suspect, who expeditiously departed at a goodly pace.
The store employee, 57-year-old Willie Morris, was not injured.
Bolesta and the other intruder entered the store at 10:49 p.m. wearing ski masks and hoodie, and they pointed guns at the clerk while demanding money, police said.
Morris pulled out a gun, and at least one of the intruders fired at him, police said. Morris also fired, striking Bolesta.
At this time, the fatality appears to be a case of self-defense, but the case will be presented to the State Attorney's Office for a final determination, police said.