Police say 64-year-old Terry Ward admitted restraining his wife with tape and leaving her trapped downstairs for up to 45 minutes while he watched a game upstairs.

A 64-year-old man in Richmond, Virginia, is facing felony abduction and domestic assault charges after he allegedly tied his wife to a chair with tape and left her in the basement so he could watch a football game without interruption.

The suspect, identified as Terry Ward, was arrested after police responded to a late-night domestic disturbance at a residence in the 2200 block of Maplewood Avenue in Richmond.

According to a criminal complaint filed by the Richmond Police Department and obtained by Virginia Statewide Incidents, officers arrived at the property at about 11:30 p.m. following a report of a domestic dispute.

Upon arrival, officers spoke with an adult woman who described what investigators said was a frightening ordeal lasting between 30 and 45 minutes.

The woman told police that her husband had forcibly restrained her to a chair in the basement using tape, leaving her unable to free herself.

Investigators reportedly found physical evidence supporting her account. According to the complaint, officers observed visible marks on both of the woman’s arms, along with sticky residue consistent with tape.

Suspect allegedly admitted restraining wife

Police also reported that Ward admitted to the incident when questioned at the scene.

The officer’s account in the criminal complaint stated that Ward acknowledged that he had tied his wife to a chair and placed her in the basement.

While his wife remained restrained downstairs, Ward allegedly returned to the upper floor of the house to watch a football game, leaving her behind.

The incident prompted police to take Ward into custody as investigators pursued the allegations.

Faces felony abduction charge

Ward was subsequently charged with felony abduction and misdemeanour assault on a family member, according to the report.

Court records from the Richmond Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court indicate that his next court appearance is scheduled for November 10, 2026.

The charges expose Ward to potentially serious legal consequences if he is convicted. However, the allegations remain subject to the judicial process, and he is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

The case has drawn attention because of the extraordinary circumstances alleged in the complaint: a woman reportedly restrained in her own home while her husband watched a football game.

Authorities have not disclosed further details about the couple’s relationship or whether additional charges could be filed.