Waffle House employee shot by angry customer; police search for shooter

LAURINBURG, NC – Police in North Carolina are searching for a Waffle House customer who became so angry over an order that he shot an employee.

Laurinburg police said the customer came into the restaurant shortly after midnight on Sept. 13 and ordered food.

While the food was being prepared, the suspect “became increasingly agitated and verbally abused the employees.”

After receiving the food, the customer walked toward a vehicle and then fired two shots toward the restaurant before fleeing.

Authorities have identified the victim as Burlie Locklear (Source: Laurinburg Police)

One employee was hit and later identified as 18-year-old Burlie Locklear. He was later taken to a hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.

The suspect was described as a black male with light skin, long dreadlocks, facial hair including a beard and mustache, 5'8″ to 5'10″ tall, 130 to 180 pounds, last seen wearing a dark blue hoodie, blue jeans, and white shoes. His suspected getaway car was described as a dark gray Chevrolet, possibly a 2014 model.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Laurinburg Police Department at 910-276-3211.