On July 23, 2025, at 12:38 A.M., a South Saint Paul police officer was on routine patrol in the City of South Saint Paul, Dakota County, Minnesota, when he observed a motor vehicle in front of him. When the driver of this vehicle applied the vehicle’s brakes, a white light emitted to the rear instead of the brake light. The vehicle pulled over and parked along the side of the street and the officer activated his vehicle’s emergency lights. The officer approached the vehicle and identified the driver and also the passenger.
The passenger was identified as Thong Yang, the defendant herein. The driver was placed under arrest for Driving After Revocation. Controlled substances were found in her purse. Inside of the vehicle the officers also located a bolt cutter, pry bar, and screwdrivers. In the back of the vehicle was a men’s style zippered bag with male clothing and a plastic bag containing numerous motor vehicle keys for numerous different makes and models. In the driver’s door armrest were numerous plastic gloves and a cell phone.
Sunglasses and face masks that are commonly used to conceal identities were also found. The defendant was advised of his Miranda rights. The defendant then told the officer that the tools in the vehicle, the screwdrivers, bolt cutter, and pry bar were his. He admitted to a past history of thefts and that he had gone through a car this evening, but he did not take anything. He then said that he and the driver had gone to Saint Paul this evening with the intention of burglarizing homes, garages, and vehicles.
He said that he and the driver were smoking methamphetamine and came up with a plan to steal and sell items to fund their drug habit. He said they were targeting the east side of Saint Paul, but did not actually break into any houses.
