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Petaluma Medical Pot Smoker Feels Threatened, Smashes Cars

PETALUMA (CBS SF) - A Petaluma man who had smoked marijuana and thought he was being threatened by gunmen will have his driving privileges reviewed after crashing his car in his haste to get away, according to a report.

The Petaluma Argus-Courier reported that 19-year-old Tyler Elliot told police he thought people with shotguns and rifles were standing on the roof of his car while he was driving early Monday morning.

Elliot told police he tried to shake them off his car by swerving back and forth and wound up hitting three parked cars in the process at Magnolia Avenue and Elm Drive, according to the Argus-Courier.

Police told the newspaper there was no evidence of any armed persons in the area.

Elliot, who was carrying a medical marijuana prescription card, told officers he smoked marijuana shortly before the incident. However, he passed a field sobriety test, according to the report.

Ironically, the newspaper reported the accident happened at approximately 4:20 a.m. "4/20" is known as code for smoking marijuana.

Elliot was not charged nor issued a citation, but Petaluma Police Lt. Tim Lyons told the Argus-Courier the police department sent an urgent order to the Department of Motor Vehicles for Elliot to be tested for his driving capabilities.

(Copyright 2012 by CBS San Francisco. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

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