The Martinsville–Henry County 911 Communications Center received a phone call 2:15 a.m. on April 18 from Joel Hernandez, a former Martinsville Police Officer who lives at 135 Belva Lane, Collinsville.
Henandez resigned on March 2, according to a release from authorities.
During the call, Hernandez allegedly said that he was armed with a firearm, and made statements indicating an intent to harm himself.
He also is alleged to have 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 allegedly 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 allegedly refused to comply. A Martinsville Police officer 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 allegedly assaulted his girlfriend before the encounter. Hernandez was transported to SOVAH Health – Martinsville, where he was treated for minor injuries and subsequently released.
Hernandez, 23, was charged with brandishing a firearm, obstruction of justice, and unlawful wounding.
He is currently being held in the Blue Ridge Regional Correctional Facility under a $7,500 bond.
