A North Carolina Waffle House recently became a crime scene after the death of a teenage employee. Laurinburg police have confirmed their search for a 38-year-old man accused of fatally shooting 18-year-old Burlie Dawson Locklear III. A detective on the case told PEOPLE that an arrest warrant citing first-degree murder is active for Florwer Carlin Lizano.
Here’s What Happened To Teenager At North Carolina Waffle House
PEOPLE reports that Florwer was waiting for his food at around 12:30 a.m. on Sept. 13. Surveillance photos reportedly confirm that the 38-year-old ordered at the ordering window. However, according to Lieutenant Detective Jeremy White, Florwer became “more agitated and verbally abusive toward employees” while waiting for his meal.
After Waffle House employees fulfilled the order, Florwer grabbed his food to go and fired shots at the establishment before fleeing the scene. White confirmed that the suspect fired two shots and struck 18-year-old Burlie. The suspect was allegedly driving what police believe was a 2014 gray Chevrolet.
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Laurinburg PD responded to the shooting at around 12:42 p.m., per their statement on Facebook, and found the teen inside suffering from a gunshot wound. Burlie, who was known as “Pudie” and “Stump,” later died at the Scotland Memorial Hospital on Sept. 13. He had just turned 18 on July 18 and graduated from Hoke County High School earlier this year.
Details About Shooting Suspect & Additional Charges
As mentioned, police are reportedly still searching for Florwer Carlin Lizano. Their press release describes him as “a black male, light skin, with long dreads, facial hair including a beard and mustache.” Additionally, police believe Lizano is between five feet and eight to ten inches tall and weighs between 140-180 pounds. During the shooting, he was wearing a dark blue pull-over hoodie with blue jeans and white shoes.
Police are asking anyone with information on Lizano’s whereabouts to step forward as the case remains an active investigation.
“Anyone with information is asked to contact the Laurinburg Police Department Lt. J. White at 910-276-3211. You can also contact anonymously to Scotland Crimestoppers by downloading the free mobile app P3tips, visiting the website www.scotlandcountycs.com or calling 910-266-8146.”
In addition to first-degree murder, prosecutors are charging Lizano with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and discharging a firearm into an occupied building. At this time, it’s unclear if Lizano targeted the 18-year-old victim or any Waffle House employee in particular.
An online obituary for Burlie Dawson Locklear III revealed that the 18-year-old’s memorial service and burial will take place tomorrow (Sept. 20).
“In life, we meet all types of people, but we can say that Dawson was truly one of a kind. He was a jokester and a spirit lifter. No matter how you felt, he could make you laugh and smile. He loved his family and friends and loved them with everything he had, especially his girlfriend Jaylen. Whether you saw him helping cook bloomin’ onions or waiting your table at Waffle House he had that infectious smile. When Dawson wasn’t working, he enjoyed fishing, hunting, playing basketball and playing his video game,” the obituary states.
