A 64-year-old man in Richmond, Virginia, has been charged with felony abduction and misdemeanor assault after allegedly tying his wife to a chair in their basement so he could watch a football game upstairs.

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 responded to the residence at around 11:30 pm, and took a statement from Ward’s wife, who alleged that her husband had used tape to restrain her to a chair before leaving her in the basement.

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According to a criminal complaint filed in Richmond court, the woman told officers she believed she had been restrained for between 30 and 45 minutes.

Responding officers reportedly observed marks and tape residue around both of her arms.

Ward allegedly admitted to restraining 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,” the officer wrote in the criminal complaint, according to local broadcaster WTVR.

Reports citing Virginia Statewide Incidents indicated that Ward allegedly restrained his wife so he could watch Sunday Night Football without interruption.

Ward faces one felony count of abduction and a misdemeanor charge of assault on a family or household member.

He is scheduled to appear before the Richmond Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court on November 10, 2026.

FKA/AM