A 64-year-old Virginia man has been accused of taping his wife to a chair in their basement so he could watch football upstairs “without interruption,” according to police.
Terry Ward, from Richmond, Virginia, was arrested and charged with felony abduction and misdemeanour assault on a family member on October 11. Officers were called to Maplewood Avenue near Byrd Park at around 11.30pm following reports of a domestic disturbance.
The victim told police that Ward “forcibly” bound her to a chair using tape and left her downstairs for around 30 to 45 minutes while he went up to watch “Sunday Night Football.” Officers documented sticky tape residue “wrapping around both of the woman's arms,” according to the criminal complaint.
Police Allegation of Admission
The complaint also alleges Ward admitted what he had done when confronted by officers. Quoting the arrest paperwork, an officer wrote: “Terry stated that he did indeed tied his wife, [name omitted], to a chair and place her down in the basement.”
While the allegation has sparked online reaction, with some social media users attempting to frame it as a “dark joke” about sports obsession, authorities are treating it as a serious domestic violence case.
Bond Conditions and Court Date
Ward has since been released on bond, but under strict conditions, the New York Post reported. He has been ordered to stay at least 1,000 feet away from the home and to have no contact with his wife.
He is due to appear at Richmond Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court on November 10, 2026.
