An elderly man's alleged attempt to enjoy some uninterrupted football has landed him in serious legal trouble.
A Virginia man is facing serious criminal charges after allegedly taping his wife to a chair in their basement so he could watch football without being disturbed.
Terry Ward, a 64-year-old man from Richmond, Virginia, was arrested following a domestic disturbance at the couple's home on October 11. He has since been charged with felony abduction and misdemeanor assault and battery against a family or household member.
According to WFLA, police responded to the couple's residence on Maplewood Avenue, near Byrd Park, at approximately 11:30 p.m.
Wife Allegedly Restrained for Up to 45 Minutes
Upon arriving, officers spoke with Ward's wife, who claimed her husband had restrained her with tape and left her in the basement while he remained upstairs.
The woman told investigators that she had been tied to the chair for approximately 30 to 45 minutes. Officers also reportedly noticed visible marks and tape residue present on both of her arms.
According to the criminal complaint, Ward allegedly admitted to restraining his wife when questioned by police. An officer also documented that Ward acknowledged tying his wife to a chair and placing her in the basement of their home.
While reports circulating online suggest Ward restrained his wife so he could watch football without interruption, police have not officially confirmed that this was his motive. Authorities have also not established which football game, if any, Ward was watching at the time.
Husband Faces Serious Criminal Charges
Despite the bizarre nature of the allegations, Ward is facing potentially significant legal consequences.
Under Virginia law, abduction is generally classified as a Class 5 felony, which can carry a prison sentence of between one and ten years upon conviction. The additional misdemeanor domestic assault charge could also result in further penalties.
Ward is scheduled to appear in Richmond Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court on November 10, 2026.