RENO — On Tuesday at 6:55 a.m., the Nevada Highway Patrol received phone calls from several motorists about a reckless vehicle. Troopers responded and located the vehicle, a silver 2010 Lexus SUV, driving northbound on U.S. Highway 395 near Moana Lane. The vehicle was failing to maintain a single travel lane and had its emergency flashers on.

Troopers contacted the driver, later identified as 62-year-old James Lehman Edwards of Reno, who said he was driving in that manner to prevent other vehicles from speeding.  Troopers noted a strong odor of marijuana coming from the inside of the SUV. 

The investigating trooper noted that Edwards appeared to be impaired. After further investigation, Edwards was arrested and taken to the Washoe County jail, where he was charged with driving under the influence of drugs, possession of a controlled substance (marijuana) and possession of drug paraphernalia. 

Troopers also found a dog in the SUV that was bleeding from one of his paws. Washoe County Regional Animal Services responded and took the animal to the county shelter for treatment.