A 64-year-old man in Virginia, United States, has been charged with felony abduction and domestic assault after allegedly tying his wife to a chair in their basement so he could watch a football match without interruption.
The suspect, Terry Ward, was arrested on October 11 following the alleged incident at his home near Byrd Park in Richmond, according to a report by Los Angeles Magazine.
Ward faces a felony charge of abduction and a misdemeanour charge of assault and battery against a family or household member.
According to police reports, officers were dispatched to the residence at about 11:30 p.m. following a report of a domestic disturbance.
Upon arrival, the officers spoke with an adult woman who told them that her husband had restrained her in a chair in the basement while he went upstairs to watch football.
The woman reportedly said she remained tied to the chair for between 30 and 45 minutes before the incident came to the attention of the authorities.
Police said officers observed marks and tape residue on her arms when they arrived at the residence.
Ward allegedly admitted to restraining his wife, according to the criminal complaint filed in connection with the case.
“Terry stated that he did indeed tied his wife, [name omitted], to a chair and place her down in the basement,” the officer wrote in the criminal complaint.
The case has attracted attention because of the unusual circumstances surrounding the allegations.
However, the charges raise serious concerns about domestic violence and the unlawful restraint of a family member.
Ward is scheduled to appear before the Richmond Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court on November 10.
He remains presumed innocent unless and until he is proven guilty in court.
