TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Police continue to search for a suspect after a Sunday night shootout at a Tampa liquor store.

Tampa Police Department investigators say at 10:40 p.m., two suspects entered Cut Rate Liquors at 3312 N. 15th St. wearing ski masks and hoodies.

They pointed guns at the clerk and demanded money. The clerk pulled out a gun and at least one of the suspects fired at him. The clerk also fired and hit Cody Bolesta, 20, who was pronounced dead at the scene.

Bolesta’s accomplice left the store. Police are searching for him.

“They’re going to find him, man. They’re going to find him. He’s probably hiding right now,” customer Ruben Felix said.

Felix told News Channel 8 the store’s clerks are known to be armed. That’s why he doesn’t think the gunman is from the neighborhood.

“I wouldn’t try it. They should’ve known; this guy in here, they’re all loaded. They’re all ready to go so he must not have known the neighborhood,” Felix said. “He went in the wrong damn store. That’s for sure.”

Bolesta’s last known address was in Gibsonton. He is a felon who has a history of drug-related arrests.

The clerk, Willie Morris, 57, was not injured. He told News Channel 8 how thankful he was to be alive. His wife shared the same sentiment.

People in the neighborhood are standing by Morris. “I wouldn’t do it no other way. It’s either him or the other guy. Hey, the other guy lost,” Felix said.

An initial investigation found that the shooting appears to be a case of self-defense, but the case will be presented to the State Attorney’s Office for a final determination, according to a police spokeswoman.

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