Restaurant worker shot during overnight robbery in Brevard

BREVARD, N.C. (WLOS) — Brevard Police say a 68-year-old man was shot overnight during a robbery.

It happened around 1:30 a.m. in the parking lot of the Cardinal Drive-in restaurant on South Broad Street.

Police Chief Phil Harris tells News 13 that two employees were leaving the restaurant with the deposit when a gunman approached them and demanded the money. Police say after the suspect robbed them, he shot one of the employees above the stomach.

"Approached them, starting hollering give me your money, robbed them," Lt. Steve Woodson, of Brevard Police Department, described of the encounter. "During that process, one of the victims did get shot. Treated and then transferred to Mission Hospital."

Police say that victim was flown to the hospital and is in very serious condition.

Chief Harris says the gunman took off. Police brought in a search dog to track him, but he has not been captured.

The incident is a shock to those who visit Cardinal Drive-in, which is known for its car shows and for fostering a sense of community in this small town.

The Brevard staple is headed up by a manager with decades of service.

"She's a dear friend of mine," James Sorrells said of his former boss. "I've known her for 20 years or so, so it's shocking to hear that there was a shooting here. I just came in for the day to say 'hi.'"

The suspect is described as dark-skinned, wearing dark clothing, including a dark hoodie, and tight jeans that showed that the suspect was thin.

Anyone with additional information is encouraged to call our anonymous hotline, Crime Stoppers of Transylvania at 828-86-CRIME (828-862-7463).