A former Martinsville Police Officer was arrested last weekend after threatening to harm himself. According to the Henry County Sheriff’s Office, on April 18th at 2:15 am, the 911 Communications Center received a phone call from 23-year-old Joel Hernandez, at 135 Belva Lane in Collinsville.

Hernandez is a former Martinsville Police Officer who resigned on March 2nd. During the call, Hernandez stated he was armed with a firearm and made statements indicating an intent to harm himself.

He also contacted Martinsville police officers directly, used profane language, and challenged law enforcement to locate him while threatening “suicide by law enforcement.”

As deputies and officers responded to the call, Hernandez exited the apartment complex and walked onto Belmont Street toward responding units. He was observed holding a firearm in his right hand. Officers issued multiple commands for Hernandez to drop the weapon; however, he refused to comply.

An officer with the Martinsville Police Department deployed a less-lethal device, successfully incapacitating Hernandez. It was later determined that the firearm Hernandez was holding was identified as an airsoft gun that resembles a real firearm. He was taken into custody without further incident.

During the investigation, it was also determined that Hernandez had assaulted his girlfriend prior to the encounter.

Hernandez was transported to SOVAH Health – Martinsville, where he was treated for minor injuries and subsequently released.

Hernandez has been charged with brandishing a firearm, obstruction of justice and unlawful wounding. He is currently being held at the Blue Ridge Regional Correctional Facility under a $7,500 bond.