COLLINSVILLE, Va. (rbs news now) — A former Martinsville police officer was arrested early April 18 following an encounter with law enforcement and an alleged domestic assault.

According to a news release issued April 24 by the Henry County Sheriff’s Office, authorities got a call from Joel Hernandez, 23, of Belva Lane in Collinsville, around 2:15 a.m. that day.

During the call, Hernandez stated he was armed and made comments indicating he intended to harm himself.

Authorities said Hernandez, who resigned from the Martinsville Police Department on March 2, also contacted officers directly, used profane language and challenged law enforcement to find him while threatening what he described as “suicide by law enforcement.”

As law enforcement officers responded, Hernandez exited the apartment complex and walked onto Belmont Street toward responding units while holding what appeared to be a firearm.

Officers issued multiple commands for him to drop the weapon, but he refused to comply.

A Martinsville police officer then deployed a less-lethal device, which incapacitated Hernandez, according to the release.

Authorities later determined the weapon Hernandez was holding was an “airsoft” gun.

During the investigation, authorities also determined Hernandez had assaulted his girlfriend prior to the encounter.

Hernandez was transported to Sovah Health in Martinsville for treatment of minor injuries and later released.

He has been charged with brandishing a firearm, obstruction of justice and unlawful wounding.

Hernandez is currently being held at the Blue Ridge Regional Correctional Facility under a $7,500 bond.

Copyright 2026 by Romero Broadcasting System, LLC. All rights reserved. This material may not be reproduced, rewritten, or redistributed.