A 64-year-old Virginia man has been arrested and charged with felony abduction after allegedly taping his wife to a chair in the basement so he could watch a football game upstairs without interruption.
The suspect, identified as Terry Ward, was taken into custody following a late-night domestic disturbance call at a home on the 2200 block of Maplewood Avenue in Richmond.
At a Glance
The Incident: A husband allegedly bound his wife to a basement chair with tape to watch a football game uninterrupted.
The Victim’s Account: Trapped in the basement for 30 to 45 minutes before police arrived.
Charges: Felony abduction and misdemeanor domestic assault.
Key Evidence: Tape residue and marks on the victim’s arms, plus a direct confession from the suspect.
Court Date: Next appearance set for November 10, 2026.
A 45-Minute Basement Ordeal
According to a police criminal complaint obtained by Virginia Statewide Incidents, officers arrived at the residence around 11:30 p.m. following a domestic dispute call.
The victim told responding officers that Ward forcibly tied her to a chair in the basement using tape, leaving her trapped in the dark while he went upstairs to watch television.
Officers confirmed that physical evidence supported her account, documenting visible marks and sticky tape residue wrapping around both of her arms.
Suspect Confesses to Police at the Scene
Court documents reveal that Ward readily admitted to the act when questioned by officers on the scene.
The responding officer noted in the complaint that Ward admitted he “did indeed tie his wife to a chair and place her down in the basement.” Sources close to the case confirmed Ward went back upstairs to finish watching the game while his wife remained taped downstairs.
Ward was booked and formally charged with felony abduction and misdemeanor assault on a family member. Online court records show his next hearing is scheduled for November 10, 2026, at the Richmond Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court.