Former worker robs Charlotte business, shoots employees sentenced to 34 years in prison

Barringer’s mug from 2021 arrest; Credit: Mecklenburg County Jail

CHARLOTTE (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — A former worker at Fish House North in Charlotte who robbed the business and shot three employees in 2021 has been sentenced to more than 34 years in prison, according to the United States Attorney’s Office.

On Monday, June 17, 49-year-old Robert Lee Barringer was sentenced to 412 months followed by five years of supervised release for the armed robbery of the business.

READ MORE: CMPD: Fired worker returns to Fish House North with gun; robs restaurant and shoots 3 employees

The violent incident occurred around 10:15 p.m. on Monday, July 26, 2021, at the Fish House North located at 4554 N. Tryon Street. As CMPD officers got to the scene of the reported robbery and shooting, they found three employees inside with apparent gunshot wounds.

All three people were transported to the hospital with minor injuries, police said.

After shooting the victims, Barringer ordered one of them to hand over the keys to the register and forced another victim to open it. Barringer reportedly stole $3,500 from the business and ran from the scene.

On July 28, 2021, Barringer was found in a Charlotte hotel and arrested.

On August 5, 2022, Barringer was found guilty of interference with commerce by robbery, and use, carry, and possession of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, officials said.

He has a lengthy criminal history of federal and state charges including assault with a deadly weapon and possession of a firearm by a felon.

Authorities say Barringer will stay in federal custody pending the designation of a federal facility by the federal Bureau of Prisons.