Undercover Fla. detective shot during robbery

The Associated Press

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — An undercover detective is in serious condition in the hospital after being shot twice during an armed robbery in St. Petersburg.

Officials say the unidentified officer was conducting surveillance at a Blockbuster video store Wednesday night. Three suspects walked out of the store and were confronted by police. Officials say shots were fired by 1 of the suspects. A detective returned fire.

1 of the suspects, 19-year-old Velislav Vladimirov Matzov, was also shot. But officials say he did not suffer life threatening injuries. The other suspects are identified as 23-year-old Joseph Hollings Jr. and 19-year-old Danielle Nicole Karlau. Charges are pending.

Authorities believe the three are connected to a series of robberies in the area.