An 18-year-old Waffle House employee in Laurinburg, North Carolina was fatally shot early Friday morning after a customer grew agitated while waiting for his food.
The incident, which occurred around 12:42 a.m. on September 13, 2024, sparked a manhunt for the suspect, who fled the scene after firing two shots at the restaurant.
Burlie Locklear, known to friends and family as “Dawson,” was working the night shift at the Waffle House located on Scotland Crossing Drive, near the intersection of Interstate 74 and U.S. 15. According to the Laurinburg Police Department, the suspect entered the restaurant and placed an order. As the staff prepared his food, the man’s frustration began to mount.
“The suspect became more agitated and verbally abusive toward the employees,” police said in a statement. The situation intensified rapidly after the food was served.
Witnesses reported that the suspect walked towards his vehicle after receiving his order. He then quickly pivoted and fired two shots toward the Waffle House. One of the bullets struck Locklear, who was inside the restaurant.
Emergency responders rushed to the scene and transported Locklear to Scotland Memorial Hospital. Despite their efforts, the young employee died from his injuries.
Police have identified the suspect as Florwer Carlin Lizano, also called Chulo or Carlos. He is wanted for first-degree murder and law enforcement officials have issued a warning that Lizano should be considered armed and dangerous. He remains at large.
Lizano is described as a Black man with light skin, long dreadlocks, and facial hair, including a beard and mustache. He fled the area in what police believe to be a dark gray 2014 Chevrolet.
He was last seen wearing a dark blue pullover hoodie, blue jeans, and white shoes. Authorities estimate his height to be between 5 feet 8 inches and 5 feet 10 inches and his weight to be between 140 and 180 pounds.
Lt. J. White of the Laurinburg Police Department is leading the investigation. The public is urged to contact him at 910-276-3211 with any relevant information about the suspect or his whereabouts. For those wishing to remain anonymous, tips can be submitted to Scotland Crimestoppers at 910-266-8146 or their website at www.scotlandcountycs.com.
In response to the tragedy, Waffle House released a statement expressing their grief and support for their fallen employee. “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 company said.
The statement went on to call the death of 18-year-old Burlie “Dawson” Locklear, a terrible tragedy, offering heartfelt sympathy to his loved ones. Waffle House also announced that it is providing free counseling services to employees coping with loss and pledged full cooperation with law enforcement in efforts to apprehend the suspect.
The Waffle House, a popular late-night eatery, remains closed as the investigation continues. Local residents have begun leaving flowers and messages of condolence near the restaurant, creating an impromptu memorial for Locklear.