A Sulphur man is behind bars after threatening a driver on I-10 with a handgun.

Louisiana State Police Sgt. James Anderson says 24-year-old Matthew Savoie brandished his weapon at another motorist while driving down I-10 near Welsh.

“We stopped that motorist near Lake Charles. He initially denied having a handgun. We did locate a handgun, as well as other weapons, inside the vehicle,” Anderson said.

Savoie was driving in the left lane of the interstate when another vehicle approached from behind. He then applied his brakes and pulled over. Anderson says the drivers exchanged words as the other vehicle passed by, and Savoie waved his gun at the other motorist.

“We see it time and time again where drivers don’t get out of the left lane, even though that’s Louisiana state law. We try to enforce it, but we can’t get to everyone, and apparently this is what set off this morning’s incident,” Anderson said.

Anderson says this was not Savoie’s first run-in with law enforcement. He says the suspect will face a hefty penalty if convicted on his charge.

“We arrested him for aggravated assault with a firearm, and he’s being held at the Jefferson Davis Parish Jail. He can face up to 10 years in prison, as well as a $10,000 fine,” Anderson said.