'Sounded like a gunshot went off': Truck driver recovering after rock is thrown at vehicle

"All of a sudden, the windshield exploded."

Rob Simmerman has seen it all in his 12 years of driving a big rig -- but he says he's never experienced something like this.

When he was traveling down Cesar Chavez Boulevard toward the bridge at Jerry Murphy Road just after midnight Friday, something smashed through his windshield.

"Sounded like a gunshot went off in my face," he told 11 News.

Simmerman, 64, really did think he had been shot.

"The windshield, I could see, had a large hole in it, and then I also felt a lot of pain in my right hand."

The object ricocheted off of Simmerman's hand and hit his temple.

"I knew something was very wrong, but I didn't have a good idea of what had happened.

Simmerman called 911.

Responding officers found a hole in both the windshield and back window but couldn't find any evidence that it was made from a gunshot. After finding rock fragments in the back of the cab, officers figured out Simmerman had actually been struck by a rock, not a bullet. They believe the rock was intentionally thrown at the truck.

"Large, 6-inch diameter stone," Simmerman said, describing the weapon.

Simmerman didn't see the suspect, and police currently do not have any leads. They are asking anyone with information that can help in the case to call the police department.

The suspect could face second-degree assault charges.

"This isn't fun and games. It's life and death," Simmerman said.

Indeed, a slightly different angle and the story could have been much worse.

"Could have been a different part of my body than a hand."

Simmerman suffered an eye injury and likely has a broken hand. He'll be out of work for the next few weeks.

Information on this case can be submitted to police by calling 719-553-2502. For those with information who prefer to stay anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 719-542-STOP.