Officers in Joplin say they were questioning a couple about a stolen diamond ring, when the man started coughing uncontrollably.
He eventually coughed up the ring.
Officers had been called to a jewelry store after the owner recognized the ring from a photo and called police.
Investigators say the suspect tried swallowing the ring before officers arrived.
Cleon L. Harris and Breanna M. Johnston are now charged with receiving stolen property.
