Suspects spoke Hmong, police got it anyway

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ST. PAUL, Minn., Oct. 12 (UPI) -- Minnesota police said two suspects spoke Hmong to each other while working up a cover story but their talk was taped and a Hmong-speaking officer translated it.

St. Paul police said the conversation between Nuj Shisnab Yang, 23, of Maplewood, and Tou Xao Thao, 21, of St. Paul, was recorded when they were placed in the back of a squad car Aug. 19, and was later translated by a Hmong-speaking officer, the St. Paul Pioneer Press reported Friday.

Police said the men, who were seen walking away from a stolen car with a "shaved key" that could be used to start the vehicle discovered nearby, discussed denying ownership of the key and attempted to come up with a convincing cover story.

The men were charged with motor vehicle theft and possession of burglary or theft tools.