NC Waffle House employee shot, killed by customer while at work

LAURINBURG, N.C. (WNCN) — An employee at a Waffle House in Scotland County was killed after police say a customer fired shots into the business after receiving his food.

According to the Laurinburg Police Department, officers responded to a shots fired call the Waffle House located at 1302 Scotland Crossing Drive around 12:42 a.m. Friday. Once on scene, police found a male employee suffering from a gunshot wound.

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The employee, identified as 18-year-old Burlie Dawson Locklear of Red Springs, was taken to Scotland Memorial Hospital, where he later died from his injury.

Laurinburg Police said the suspect in the shooting arrived at the Waffle House and ordered food, but became “more agitated and verbally abusive toward the employees” as it was being prepared. Once he was given his food, police said the suspect walked toward his car, turned, and fired two shots in the direction of the Waffle House, hitting Locklear. According to police, the suspect then left on Scotland Crossing Drive, heading toward West Boulevard.

The suspect is driving a dark gray car, police said, possibly a 2014 model Chevrolet. He is described as being about 5’8″ to 5’10” and approximately 140 to 180 pounds with long dreads, a beard, and a mustache. According to police, he was last seen wearing a dark blue pullover with a hood, blue jeans, and white shoes.

The investigation is active and ongoing. Anyone with information that may help investigators is asked to call Laurinburg Police Department Lt. J. White at (910) 276-3211. Anonymous tips can also be sent to Scotland CrimeStoppers at (910) 266-8146, through the online tip sheet at www.scotlandcountycs.com , or via the free P3Tips app available for Apple and Android devices.

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