NC Waffle House employee shot dead by hangry customer: police

A disgruntled North Carolina Waffle House customer gave hangry a new meaning after he murdered a teenage employee who was taking too long with his food.

The crazed maniac entered a Laurinburg Waffle House around 12:42 a.m. on Friday and placed his order before becoming increasingly “agitated and verbally abusive” toward employees as his meal was being prepared, the Laurinburg Police Department said in a news release. 

Police said Burlie Dawson Locklear, 18, was shot when the customer fired two shots at the chain restaurant after he received his not-so-happy meal. 

“Once the food was provided to the suspect, the suspect walked toward the Chevrolet, turned and fired two shots in the direction of the business striking Locklear,” police said.  

Locklear, of Red Springs, was pronounced dead after being taken to Scotland Memorial Hospital. 

The gunman — caught on surveillance video — is still at large and hasn’t been identified. Police said he had long dreads and facial hair and fled the scene in a dark gray 2014 Chevrolet.

He was last seen wearing a dark blue pullover hoodie, jeans and white shoes, officers said.

“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,” Waffle House officials said in a statement to WBTW.

“We are working closely with law enforcement as they investigate this matter,” the statement added. “We will do whatever we can to help the authorities find and arrest this murdered.”

Anyone with information on the shooting is asked to contact Lt. J. White with the Laurinburg Police Department at 910-276-3211.

Anonymous tips can also be sent to Scotland Crimestoppers.