Clerk shot in attempted robbery

TAMPA - Tampa Police are searching for two men who shot a gas station clerk during an attempted robbery early Saturday morning.

Officers say one of the men entered the Marathon Gas Station on N. 50th Street just after 2:30 a.m. and asked the clerk to help him purchase coffee. As the clerk assisted, the other man went into the store, pointed a silver revolver at the clerk and demanded money.

According to police, the clerk, Abdelaziz Bouthour, 60, refused to hand over any money and the armed man shot Bouthour in the left shoulder. Police say the gun malfunctioned when the man tried to fire a second time, and both of the men ran out of the store.

Both suspects are described as black males, between 5'10" and 6'0" tall, with medium skin complexions. The armed man was said to be wearing a black ski cap, a dark gray jacket, a long black tee-shirt, and dark jeans. He was also wearing a blue and white bandana that covered the lower part of his face. The other suspect was seen wearing a black White Sox baseball cap, a green "Ecko" tee-shirt with a white Rhino logo on it, tan baggy shorts, and white sneakers.

Police say Bouthour was taken to Tampa General Hospital where he was treated and released.

Anyone who can help identify the suspects is asked to contact Tampa Police at 813-310-7444 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-873-TIPS.