Customer Allegedly Shoots Waffle House Employee After Placing Order

A tragic incident unfolded at a Waffle House in Laurinburg, North Carolina, where a customer allegedly shot a teenage employee over a food order dispute. The incident occurred in the early hours of Friday morning.

Laurinburg Police received reports of gunfire at approximately 12:42 AM. Upon their arrival at the restaurant, they discovered 18-year-old Burlie Dawson Locklear, an employee, who had sustained a gunshot wound.

Locklear was immediately transported to Scotland Memorial Hospital but, unfortunately, succumbed to his injuries shortly after.

The suspect has been identified as 38-year-old Florwer Carlin Lizano, who is currently at large and wanted for first-degree murder, according to reports from ABC4 News.

According to the police, Lizano entered the fast-food establishment and placed an order. While waiting for his food, he became increasingly agitated and verbally abusive towards the staff.

Once he received his order, Lizano reportedly walked toward his dark gray 2014 Chevrolet but abruptly turned back. He then allegedly fired two shots into the restaurant, striking Locklear before fleeing the scene.

Police have described Lizano as a Black male with light skin, sporting long dreadlocks and facial hair that includes a beard and mustache. He stands between 5 feet 8 inches and 5 feet 10 inches tall, and was last seen wearing a dark blue pullover hoodie, blue jeans, and white shoes.

In a statement released to News13, Waffle House expressed their deep sorrow over the loss of Locklear, who was known to friends and family simply as “Dawson.”

The statement read, “We are mourning the tragic death of one of our Waffle House Associates, who was the victim of an outrageous act of violence early this morning at our Laurinburg, NC restaurant.”

The restaurant further described the incident as horrific, offering their sincerest condolences to Locklear’s family and friends. They also announced that free counseling services would be made available to employees who are grappling with the aftermath of this violent incident.

In light of these events, police are urging anyone who has information regarding Lizano’s whereabouts to contact the Laurinburg Police Department. Tips can be directed to Lt. J. White at 910-276-3211 or submitted anonymously through Scotland County Crimestoppers.

This shocking incident highlights the severe consequences of escalating disputes in public places, and the community is left to grapple with the loss of a young life taken too soon.