SLIPPERY ROCK — An Alabama man is accused of driving 118 mph while impaired on drugs on Interstate 79 near the Mercer-Butler County line.

When Joseph T. Mount, 25, of Luverne finally pulled over Nov. 29, he offered up an excuse for speeding — his friend was hurt and possibly dying.

State police weren't buying the story, and they ended up arresting him for driving under the influence of a controlled substance, speeding and a list of other charges.

Mount, police said, eventually admitted he was making up the story of his potentially-dying friend.

The defendant, who is free on $10,000 bail, on Wednesday waived his preliminary hearing in the case at the office of District Judge William O'Donnell in Slippery Rock.

Police said they first spotted Mount's 2004 Toyota 4 Runner enter the interstate from the Route 208 ramp in Mercer County and move to the far left lane without signaling.

The southbound vehicle then accelerated — in a big way. Police, in turn, accelerated, attempting to gain on it.

During the next six to seven miles, Lt. Daniel Hines said in his affidavit that he watched the SUV pass other vehicles from each lane, without signaling.

The Toyota's speed usually exceeded 110 mph,

But over a stretch of highway from about one-half mile north of the Butler County line to the Slippery Rock exit, Hines clocked the vehicle hitting 118 mph.

Moments later, Hines was able to get the driver, identified as Mount, to pull over in Worth Township.

During the traffic stop, the officer seized drug contraband, including marijuana and methamphetamine pipes, from the Toyota.

Mount, who works for a pipeline company, was later taken to Butler Memorial Hospital for a blood test following a drug recognition expert's evaluation.

Police were still waiting for toxicology reports as of press time Wednesday.