Waffle House issues statement after employee shot in North Carolina

LAURINBURG, NC (WMBF) – Waffle House is responding after police say a customer shot one of its employees at the chain’s Laurinburg location.

In a statement sent to WMBF News, Waffle House called the shooting an “outrageous act of violence.”

Laurinburg police responded to shots fired at the Waffle House on Scotland Crossing Drive at around 12:42 a.m. Friday.

Officers found an employee, 18-year-old Burlie Locklear, in the restaurant with a gunshot wound. Emergency services took him to the hospital, where he later died.

“The death of our employee, 18-year-old Burlie Dawson Locklear, known to his friends and family as 'Dawson,' is horrific,” Waffle House said in a statement. “We extend our sincere and deepest condolences to his family and friends. We are offering free counseling services to our employees as we all mourn this tragic loss of life.”

In an update, Laurinburg police identified the suspect in the case as Florwer Carlin Lizano, also known as Chulo or Carlos. He is wanted for first-degree murder and is considered armed and dangerous, police said.

Investigators believe he may be driving a dark gray 2014 Chevrolet and that he frequently travels to Laurinburg, Dillon and the state of Florida.

According to police, the investigation revealed that Lizano became upset and began insulting employees while waiting for his food.

After getting his food, Lizano walked to his car, turned around and fired two shots into the restaurant, hitting Locklear, police said.

Waffle House said it is working closely with law enforcement in the investigation.

“We will do everything we can to help authorities find and arrest this killer,” the statement said. “We refer all media inquiries regarding the investigation to local law enforcement. We will have no further comment at this time.”

Anyone with information regarding the shooting or Lizano's whereabouts is asked to contact Lt. J. White of the Laurinburg Police Department at 910-276-3211.

You can also contact Scotland Crimestoppers anonymously by clicking here.

You can view Waffle House’s full statement below:

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