A 64-year-old man in Richmond, Virginia, is facing a felony abduction charge after allegedly tying his wife to a chair in their basement so he could watch a football game without interruption.
Terry Ward was arrested following a reported domestic disturbance at the couple’s home on Sunday, October 11, 2026, according to local media reports.
Police officers arrived at the residence at about 11:30 pm and spoke with Ward’s wife, who alleged that her husband had used tape to restrain her to a chair before leaving her in the basement.
According to a criminal complaint filed in a Richmond court, the woman told officers she believed she had been held there for between 30 and 45 minutes.
Responding officers reportedly noticed marks and tape residue around both of her arms, which were consistent with her account of being restrained.
Ward allegedly admitted to tying up his wife when questioned by police.
“Terry stated that he did indeed tie his wife to a chair and place her down in the basement,” an officer wrote in the criminal complaint, according to local broadcaster WTVR.
Reports citing Virginia Statewide Incidents alleged that Ward restrained his wife to prevent her from interrupting his viewing of Sunday Night Football.
He has been charged with one felony count of abduction and a misdemeanor count of assault on a family or household member.
Ward is scheduled to appear before the Richmond Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court on November 10, 2026.
The charges remain allegations, and the case is expected to proceed through the court system.
