- Authorities believe two separate shootings are linked
- The shootings occurred about 55 miles apart
- "The concern is that someone is posing as a law enforcement officer," official says
(CNN) -- Someone who may be posing as a police officer is pulling cars over on Mississippi highways and then shooting drivers dead, authorities said.
After two such shootings this month, the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation is asking for the public's help to find the person.
"There are some similarities between the two incidents, mainly the fact they happened alongside a Mississippi highway," said MBI Director Lt. Col. Larry Waggoner on Monday. "The concern is that someone is posing as a law enforcement officer and that is how these vehicles end up on the side of the road."
The first shooting occurred on May 8. Thomas Schlender, 74, was found dead in his car in the median of southbound Interstate 55 about 1:30 a.m.
On May 11, Lori Anne Carswell, 48, was found dead outside of her car on the shoulder of Mississippi State Highway 713 about 2:15 a.m.
The shootings took place about 55 miles apart and the victims did not know each other, authorities said.
Authorities are asking citizens to be careful if they are pulled over and feel uneasy. They advise drivers to call 911 and verify that a legitimate officer is pulling them over or drive to a well-lit, crowded place before stopping.
CNN's Rick Martin contributed to this report.
