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 Friday, Lori Anne
Carswell, 48, was found dead outside 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, actions permitted under Mississippi state law
http://www.cnn.com/2012/05/15/justice/mississippi-highway-shooting/index.html?hpt=hp_t3
If you are hailed by an unmarked car at night, don't pull over just anywhere. Drive safely and legally to a well populated and well lit area.
ReplyDeleteYou can even call 911 to verify the authenticity of the car, and ask that another - marked - patrol car come to assist.
If it is a real police officer, they should be understanding (even if a bit irritated)
Some municipalities even have regulations that prohibit officers from using unmarked cars for routine traffic stops.