An 18-year-old Waffle House employee tragically lost his life in an early morning incident in North Carolina. The Laurinburg Police Department is actively searching for the customer accused of this fatal shooting. According to WBTV, the incident took place around 12:45 a.m. at the establishment on Scotland Crossing Drive. The victim, Burlie Dawson Locklear, was shot inside the restaurant and later succumbed to his injuries at a nearby hospital.

The suspect allegedly became agitated and started to verbally abuse the staff while his food was being prepared. He is reported to have fired two shots towards the Waffle House after walking to his vehicle, with one of them fatally striking Locklear. He then swiftly fled the scene, and authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward. In a detail provided by WSAZ, the suspect is described as a man with long dreads, a beard, and mustache, standing between 5′8″-5′10″ and weighing between 140 to 180 pounds, last seen wearing a dark blue hoodie, blue jeans, and white shoes.

Investigators believe the suspect may be operating a dark gray 2014 Chevrolet. He was last observed heading toward West Boulevard on Scotland Crossing Drive. Laurinburg Police Department, in their efforts to apprehend the individual, have categorized him as armed and dangerous.

Anyone who might possess insight into this crime is encouraged to reach out. Lt. J. White of the Laurinburg Police Department can be contacted at 910-276-3211 for information leading to an arrest, or tips can anonymously be submitted to Scotland Crimestoppers. A representative from the police department told WRAL, "After the customer got his food, he walked toward his car and then turned and fired two shots at the restaurant, hitting Locklear."