20-03-2025
Man accused of strangling woman and firing gun at Henry County school
HENRY COUNTY, Va. (WFXR) – The Henry County Sheriff's Office has reported the arrest of a man accused of assaulting a woman and then firing a weapon at a school in Martinsville on March 18.
On Tuesday, officers responded to Mount Olivet Elementary School around 2:30 p.m. after a woman reported that James Gerald Bethune was allegedly making threats to her children. Out of precaution, school officials acted to secure the premises and confirmed that Bethune left the area before allowing for a normal dismissal.
Deputies later found Bethune around 2:55 p.m. at his apartment where he was restrained and questioned, according to the sheriff.
Further investigation revealed that during an incident at the school, Bethune allegedly assaulted a female. The female claimed that Bethune allegedly put his hands around her neck, leaving marks.
When the female attempted to leave, Bethune then allegedly took out a gun and fired two rounds into the air before leaving the scene.
Investigators allegedly found bullet casings in the parking lot matching Bethune's gun. Additionally, a white powdery substance was also found that allegedly tested positive for cocaine.
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James Gerald Bethune was arrested and charged with the following:
Possession of a Controlled Substance (Violation of Virginia Code Section: 18.2-250)
Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon (Violation of Virginia Code Section: 18.2-308.2)
Attempted Strangulation (Violation of Virginia Code Section: 18.2-51.6)
Reckless Handling of a Firearm (Violation of Virginia Code Section: 18.2-56.1)
Threats Over the Phone (Violation of Virginia Code Section: 18.2-427)
Bethune is being held without bond at the Henry County Adult Detention Center and an Emergency Protective Order (EPO) has been issued on behalf of the victim.
This is an active investigation by the Henry County Sheriff's Office. Anyone with information is to contact the Sheriff at 276-638-8751 or Crimestoppers at 63-CRIME (632-7463).
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