Tragedy at the Waffle House: A Senseless Act of Violence Cuts Short a Young Life

In a shocking incident that has left the community reeling, a young Waffle House employee was tragically killed by an enraged customer in North Carolina. The victim, Burlie Dawson Locklear, was just 18 years old, with his entire life ahead of him. This senseless act of violence has sparked outrage and a desperate search for the perpetrator, leaving many questions and a profound sense of loss in its wake.

A Tragic Encounter at the Waffle House

The Fateful Incident

The incident occurred in the early hours of Friday morning at a Waffle House restaurant in Laurinburg, North Carolina, approximately 100 miles southwest of Raleigh. According to the police, the gunman, described as a Black male with light skin, long dreadlocks, and a beard and mustache, entered the establishment and ordered food. As his order was being prepared, the man became agitated and verbally abusive towards the employees. Once he received his food, he walked towards a dark gray 2014 Chevrolet and, without warning, turned and fired two shots towards the restaurant, striking Burlie Dawson Locklear.

The Victim: Burlie Dawson Locklear

Burlie Dawson Locklear, known affectionately as "Dawson" to his friends and family, was a young Waffle House employee who had his entire life ahead of him. The 18-year-old was tragically killed in the senseless act of violence, leaving his loved ones and the community devastated. Locklear's death has been described as "horrific" by the Waffle House, which has expressed its "sincerest and deepest sympathy" to his family and friends.

The Search for the Perpetrator

The Laurinburg Police Department has launched a search for the gunman, who was captured on surveillance footage fleeing the scene in a dark gray 2014 Chevrolet. The suspect is described as a Black male with light skin, long dreadlocks, and a beard and mustache, standing between 5'8" and 5'10" and weighing between 140 and 180 pounds. He was last seen wearing a dark blue pullover hoodie, blue jeans, and white shoes.

The Waffle House's Response

The Waffle House has expressed its profound grief over the tragic loss of one of its own, stating that the "death of our Associate, 18-year-old Burlie Dawson Locklear, known simply as 'Dawson' to his friends and family, is horrific." The company has offered its "sincerest and deepest sympathy to his family and friends" and is providing free counseling services to its employees as they mourn this tragic loss. The Waffle House has also pledged to work closely with law enforcement to assist in the investigation and the apprehension of the perpetrator.

The Community's Reaction

The tragic incident has sent shockwaves through the Laurinburg community, with many expressing their outrage and grief over the senseless loss of a young life. Locklear's friends and family have been left devastated, and the community as a whole is grappling with the aftermath of this horrific act of violence. The search for the gunman continues, and the Laurinburg Police Department has urged anyone with information to come forward and assist in the investigation.

The Ongoing Investigation

The Laurinburg Police Department is actively investigating the incident and has asked the public to come forward with any information that could aid in the search for the perpetrator. Lt. J. White of the Laurinburg Police Department has encouraged anyone with relevant information to contact the department at 910-276-3211 or to call the anonymous tip line at 910-266-8146.As the investigation continues, the Waffle House and the Laurinburg community remain steadfast in their commitment to finding justice for Burlie Dawson Locklear and ensuring that such a senseless act of violence never occurs again.