Martinsville, VA (BTW21) – March 18, 2025 – A Martinsville man was arrested following a string of serious incidents involving threats, an assault, and firearm violations, according to the Henry County Sheriff’s Office.
Authorities responded to Mt. Olivet Elementary School around 2:30 p.m. after a 911 caller reported that James Gerald Bethune, a Martinsville resident, had made threats against her children while on school grounds. Bethune fled the area before deputies arrived, but school officials confirmed there was no immediate danger and proceeded with regular dismissal procedures.
Deputies located Bethune at his residence on Rosewood Avenue by 2:55 p.m., where he was taken into custody. During questioning, investigators learned of a separate incident earlier that day at BG’s, a local business on Old Chatham Road. There, Bethune allegedly assaulted a woman by choking her, leaving visible red marks. When she tried to leave, he reportedly fired two shots into the air with a firearm before fleeing.
At the BG’s scene, deputies recovered a 9mm shell casing. A search of Bethune’s home led to the seizure of a loaded 9mm Taurus G2 handgun, a magazine with additional rounds, a box of ammunition, and a small bag of cocaine.
Bethune has been charged with:
Possession of a Controlled Substance (VA Code § 18.2-250)
Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon (VA Code § 18.2-308.2)
Attempted Strangulation (VA Code § 18.2-51.6)
Reckless Handling of a Firearm (VA Code § 18.2-56.1)
Threats Over the Phone (VA Code § 18.2-427)
An Emergency Protective Order (EPO) was issued for the assault victim. Bethune is currently being held without bond at the Henry County Adult Detention Center.
The Henry County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the case and encourages anyone with additional information to contact them at 276-638-8751 or through Crime Stoppers at 63-CRIME (632-7463).
