Martinsville, VA (BTW21)– March 18, 2025 – The Henry County Sheriff’s Office arrested James Gerald Bethune, a Martinsville resident, after a series of alarming events involving threats, assault, and firearm offenses.
The incident unfolded on the afternoon of March 18, 2025, prompting authorities to respond to Mt. Olivet Elementary School in Martinsville.
At approximately 2:30 p.m., a 911 caller reported that Bethune had made direct threats against her children while on school grounds.
Though Bethune had already left the area by the time deputies arrived, school officials deemed it safe to continue with dismissal procedures without further disruption.
Authorities quickly tracked down Bethune at his residence on Rosewood Avenue.
At around 2:55 p.m., deputies and investigators apprehended him for questioning. During the investigation, it was revealed that Bethune had assaulted a female at BG’s, a local establishment on Old Chatham Road, prior to the school incident.
According to the victim, Bethune choked her, leaving visible red marks on her neck.
When the victim attempted to leave, Bethune allegedly brandished a firearm, firing two shots into the air before fleeing the scene.
Deputies recovered a 9mm shell casing at the BG’s parking lot, and upon searching Bethune’s home, investigators found a loaded 9mm Taurus G2 handgun, a magazine with additional rounds, and a box of 9mm ammunition.
Furthermore, a small bag of white powder, later confirmed as cocaine, was seized.
Bethune was arrested and charged with multiple offenses, including:
Possession of a Controlled Substance (Virginia Code Section 18.2-250)
Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon (Virginia Code Section 18.2-308.2)
Attempted Strangulation (Virginia Code Section 18.2-51.6)
Reckless Handling of a Firearm (Virginia Code Section 18.2-56.1)
Threats Over the Phone (Virginia Code Section 18.2-427)
An Emergency Protective Order (EPO) has been issued on behalf of the victim. Bethune is currently being held without bond at the Henry County Adult Detention Center.
The Henry County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate this disturbing incident and urges anyone with information to come forward.
Those with tips can contact the Sheriff’s Office at 276-638-8751 or Crime Stoppers at 63-CRIME (632-7463).
Crime Stoppers offers rewards of up to $2,500 for information that aids in solving crimes. The reward amount varies depending on the severity of the case and the value of the information provided.
This case highlights the ongoing efforts of the Henry County Sheriff’s Office to protect the community and hold individuals accountable for violent crimes.
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