Two North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) agents severely injured by an explosion early-Friday morning in Sampson County remain hospitalized and are showing signs of improvement.
Special Agent Brian Joy was critically injured and Assistant Special Agent Timothy Luper was seriously injured while trying to dispose of an explosive device found at a home in northern Sampson County.
Monday afternoon, the NC SBI said both officers remains in the Burn Center at UNC Hospitals in Chapel Hill. Both agents are in good spirits.
Agent Joy sustained third degree burns and is scheduled for surgery on Tuesday. Agent Luper sustained second degree burns and a dislocated shoulder. He is also scheduled for surgery on Tuesday to repair injuries to his shoulder.
A GoFundMe page has been established to assist the officers and their families during this difficult time. The SBI said the support has been tremendous. “On behalf of the Luper and Joy families, thank you! We’ve heard from so many people expressing their concern for Tim and Brian – citizens and law enforcement near and far, we thank everyone for their continued prayers.”
Here is a link to the GoFundMe account.
It remains unknown how long both agents will be hospitalized.
Jimmy Tyndall, 33, of Dunn has been charged with three counts of possession of a weapon of mass destruction, misdemeanor larceny, speeding, possession of methamphetamines, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
The local, state and federal investigation into Tyndall’s possession of the bomb-making materials remains ongoing and no additional information is being released at this time, the SBI said in an email.
