LAURINBURG, N.C. — A tragic incident occurred at a Waffle House in Laurinburg, where an 18-year-old employee, Burlie Dawson Locklear, was fatally shot during a confrontation with an agitated customer.
Laurinburg police responded to reports of gunfire early Friday morning and discovered Locklear suffering from a gunshot wound. Despite being transported to a nearby hospital, he later succumbed to his injuries.
Officials revealed that the incident began when a customer, who had placed an order, became disruptive and verbally abusive towards staff. After receiving his food, the individual emerged from the restaurant, turned, and fired two shots at the establishment, striking Locklear before fleeing the scene.
Authorities are actively searching for the shooter and have issued a warrant for his arrest.
Waffle House expressed their condolences, emphasizing that Locklear was a “victim of an outrageous act of violence.” The statement highlighted the profound sorrow felt by the company, stating, “The death of our Associate, 18-year-old Burlie Dawson Locklear, known as ‘Dawson’ to his friends and family, is horrific. We offer our sincerest and deepest sympathy to his family and friends.”
