18-year-old Waffle House employee shot, killed on the job in Laurinburg: Police

LAURINBURG, N.C. (WPDE) — Burlie Dawson Locklear, 18, was shot around 12:45 a.m. Friday while working inside the Waffle House on Scotland Crossing Drive in Laurinburg, according to Cpt. Chris Young with Laurinburg Police.

Locklear was taken to Scotland Memorial Hospital where he later died.

Young said the investigation revealed a man came to the business and ordered food.

“While the food was being prepared, the suspect became more agitated and verbally abusive toward the employees,” Young said.

TRENDING: Two charged, illegal amounts of THC found in products at Surfside Beach dispensary: Police

He added when the food was provided, the man walked toward his car, turned and fired two shots in the direction of the business striking Locklear.

He then left onto Scotland Crossing Drive toward West Boulevard.

The suspect was wearing a dark blue pullover hoodie, blue jeans and white shoes. He was driving a dark grey, possibly 2014 model Chevrolet.

The restaurant remained closed on Friday.

Police and Waffle House managers were inside the store but didn't talk with the media.

A current employee said the suspect in the deadly shooting has been at the restaurant before, but they don't know him.

A former worker said this isn't the first shooting at the Waffle House in Laurinburg.

Last July, ABC15 reported two people were wounded in a shootout in the restaurant's parking lot.

The former worker said the dining area closes at midnight because of recent violence, but you can order from the window.

Laurinburg Pastor Michael Edds lives around the corner from the Waffle House.

Edds has spoken over several times over the years, regarding crime in his community.

He added police need to be proactive and increase patrols around businesses, especially at night.

"We have this young man trying to make a living. And some thug shoots him and kills him. We've got to be more reactive. Everybody shows when something happens. Last week, I heard about 30 gunshots going off. I called 911 and a few days later, I heard a bunch more. And I said if we don't some proactive things, people are going to do," said Edds.

This is an active investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Laurinburg Police Dept. Lt. J. White at 910-276-3211. You can also contact Scotland Crimestoppers anonymously by downloading the free mobile app P3tips, visiting the website or calling 910-266-8146.