US Man Accused of Tying Wife to Chair in Basement to Watch Football

A 64-year-old man in Richmond, Virginia, United States, has been arrested after allegedly tying his wife to a chair with tape and leaving her in the basement so he could watch a football game upstairs.

The suspect, identified as Terry Ward, was arrested following a domestic disturbance report at a residence on Maplewood Avenue.

According to a police complaint, officers who arrived at the scene around 11:30 p.m. spoke with the woman, who alleged that her husband had restrained her for between 30 and 45 minutes.

Investigators reportedly observed visible marks and adhesive residue on both of her arms, which were documented as evidence.

Ward allegedly admitted to police that he had tied his wife to a chair and left her in the basement. He reportedly returned upstairs to watch the football game while she remained restrained.

He was subsequently charged with felony abduction and misdemeanour assault on a family member.

Court records indicate that Ward is scheduled to appear before the Richmond Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court on November 10, 2026.

The allegations remain subject to legal proceedings.