Suspect allegedly swallowed two stolen rings

CLAYTON, Mo. -- St. Louis County police said Friday they are holding a man who allegedly swallowed two rings after taking them from a jewelry store.

A worker at Samuel's Jewelers said the suspect entered the store at 3:10 p.m. Wednesday and asked to see two rings valued at more than $9,000, according to court records.

He allegedly placed them on his finger and ran out of the store, but employees chased and stopped him.

He told police he had swallowed the rings. He was taken to St. Anthony's Medical Center, where police said X-rays showed the rings in his digestive tract.

Mark Valenti, 43, of St. Louis County, was charged with one count of stealing over $500. Police said Valenti was being held Friday, and the rings had not yet passed through his system.