A tragic shooting occurred at a Waffle House in Laurinburg, North Carolina, where an employee was fatally shot by a customer who became “agitated and verbally abusive” after placing his order, according to the Laurinburg Police Department.
Officers were dispatched shortly after midnight on Friday in response to reports of gunfire. Upon arrival, they found 18-year-old Burlie Dawson Locklear suffering from a gunshot wound. Locklear was transported to Scotland Memorial Hospital but later succumbed to his injuries.
The investigation revealed that the suspect ordered food at the Waffle House and became increasingly agitated while waiting. As tensions escalated, he directed verbal abuse toward the staff, police said.
After receiving his food, the suspect began walking toward his car. However, before leaving, he turned back and fired two shots at the restaurant, striking Locklear. The suspect then fled the scene.
Authorities described the suspect as a Black male with light skin, standing between 5 feet 8 inches and 5 feet 10 inches tall, with long dreadlocks, facial hair including a beard and mustache. He was last seen wearing a dark blue hoodie, blue jeans, and white shoes. The suspect was believed to be driving a dark gray vehicle, possibly a 2014 Chevrolet.
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The investigation remains ongoing, and police are urging anyone with information to come forward.
