‘I Wanted to Watch Football in Peace’, say man who Tapes Wife to Chair

​
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.