64-year-old American man charged after allegedly restraining wife in basement so he could watch football in ‘peace’

A 64-year-old man in Virginia, United States, has been charged after allegedly restraining his wife with tape and leaving her tied to a chair in the basement so he could watch a football game upstairs.

The suspect, identified as Terry Ward, was arrested after police responded to a reported domestic disturbance at his home at about 11:30 p.m.

According to Virginia Statewide Incidents, Ward's wife told responding officers that her husband had restrained her with tape and left her in the basement while he watched Sunday Night Football.

Ward reportedly admitted to the incident when questioned by officers.

“Ward Terry stated that he did indeed tie his wife, [name omitted], to a chair and place her down in the basement,” an officer wrote in the criminal complaint reviewed by the publication.

The complaint also stated that the woman had visible marks and tape impressions around both arms, suggesting she had been restrained.

She reportedly told police that she believed she had been left tied to the chair for about 30 to 45 minutes before the incident was addressed.

Ward was subsequently charged with felony abduction and misdemeanor assault on a family member, according to court documents reviewed by Virginia Statewide Incidents.

He is scheduled to appear before the Richmond Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court on November 10.