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Pittsburgh man faces more than 200 drug charges following I-79 traffic stop

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A Pittsburgh man who allegedly was seen throwing water bottles out his car window on Interstate 79 earlier this month is facing more than 200 drug-related charges after state police said they found 99 packs of synthetic marijuana in his vehicle.

Police said they conducted a traffic stop about 10:50 a.m. Oct. 7 on I-79 southbound in South Strabane Township after two other drivers reported a man was tailgating and throwing water bottles out of his window at their cars.

When police pulled over James Arnold Brown, 38, they said he was “sweating profusely and extremely nervous, bouncing around in the operator’s seat.” Police also said Brown told an officer his civil rights were being violated and yelled racial slurs at police and other drivers.

Police said Brown’s license had been suspended for a previous DUI charge, prohibiting him from driving his vehicle. Before Brown left the scene in a tow truck, police searched him for contraband and weapons, “due to the extreme nervousness and erratic behavior, as well as the safety of the tow truck operator,” the criminal complaint said.

Police said Brown was in possession of two bags of suspected marijuana, marijuana butts and more than $800 in cash. Police said they obtained a search warrant for the car and later found 99 packs of synthetic marijuana and a smoking pipe.

Brown was charged with 99 counts of possession with intent to deliver, 116 counts of possession of drug paraphernalia, one count of possession of a controlled substance and one count of possession of marijuana. He also was charged with recklessly endangering another person, propulsion of missiles, disorderly conduct, harassment and driving under suspension.

A warrant was issued for Brown’s arrest.

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