LAPLACE — The driver of an 18-wheeler heading north on Interstate 55, exiting St. John the Baptist Parish, had to call police after he told authorities his rig was the target of broad daylight gunfire.

The motorist reported he was driving an 18-wheeler in the right lane, when a gray Ford Mustang passed him in the left lane.

As the Mustang passed, the 18-wheeler driver noticed the barrel of a gun emerge from the Mustang’s passenger side window.

The victim heard what sounded like multiple gunshots and realized his vehicle was being struck.

Louisiana State Police troopers were quickly alerted to the complaint, which took place shortly after 11 a.m. Friday.

Troop L Troopers began looking for the Mustang and located it on I-55 near U.S. 51.

Troopers discovered a paintball gun in the vehicle during a subsequent stop.

Nicholas Scott, 20, was a passenger in the Mustang and confessed to firing the paintball gun at the 18-wheeler, according to State Police. The Hammond resident was arrested for aggravated assault and simple criminal damage to property — both misdemeanors — and booked in St. John Parish.

According to online records, his bond was set at $6,000 and he was released the same day after posting bond.