HENRY COUNTY, Va. (rbs news now) — A man was arrested on March 18 after making threats at Mt. Olivet Elementary School.

The Henry County Sheriff’s Office responded to the school, located on Lancer Lane, around 2:30 p.m. following a report of a man making threats.

According to deputies, the 9-1-1 caller stated that the man, James Gerald Bethune, had made direct threats against her children.

School officials confirmed Bethune had left the school before law enforcement arrived, allowing them to proceed with normal dismissal procedures.

Deputies found Bethune at his apartment in the 400 block of Rosewood Avenue around 3 p.m., where he was detained for questioning.

Upon further investigation, authorities said they discovered that Bethune was also involved in an earlier incident at BG’s Express 2, located on Old Chatham Road.

A woman reported that Bethune had placed his hands around her neck, choking her and leaving visible red marks.

When she tried to leave, Bethune pulled out a gun, fired two rounds into the air, and fled the scene, according to authorities.

Deputies recovered a 9mm shell casing from the parking lot of BG’s.

A search of Bethune’s apartment uncovered a loaded 9mm Taurus G2 handgun, a magazine containing 9mm rounds, and a box of ammunition.

Investigators said they also found a small baggie containing a white powdery substance, which tested positive for cocaine.

Bethune was arrested and charged with the following offenses:

• Possession of a controlled substance
• Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
• Attempted strangulation
• Reckless handling of a firearm
• Threats over the phone

An emergency protective order was issued on behalf of the victim.

Bethune is being held at the Henry County Adult Detention Center without bond.

The sheriff’s office is still investigating the incident.

Anyone with information is asked to call 276-638-8751 or Crimestoppers at 276-632-7463.

Crimestoppers offers rewards of up to $2,500 for information that helps in solving crimes.

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