A 64-year-old man in Richmond, Virginia, has been charged with felony abduction after allegedly restraining his wife with tape and leaving her tied to a chair in the basement while he watched a football match upstairs.

The suspect, identified as Terry Ward, was arrested following a domestic disturbance call to a residence in the 2200 block of Maplewood Avenue, according to a report by Virginia Statewide Incidents.

Police officers arrived at the home at about 11:30 p.m. and obtained a statement from the woman, who alleged that her husband had forcibly tied her to a chair with tape and left her confined in the basement for between 30 and 45 minutes.

Investigators reportedly found physical evidence consistent with her account, including visible marks and adhesive residue around both arms.

According to the police complaint, Ward admitted to officers that he had tied his wife to a chair and taken her to the basement.

The incident reportedly occurred while Ward sought to watch a football game without interruption, leaving his wife restrained downstairs as he remained upstairs.

Following the investigation, Ward was charged with felony abduction and misdemeanour assault on a family member.

Court records from the Richmond Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court indicate that he is scheduled to appear in court on November 10, 2026.

The charges are allegations, and the case remains subject to judicial proceedings.