Key Takeaways
- Terry Ward, 64, allegedly taped his wife to a chair in their Richmond basement for 30 to 45 minutes while he watched football upstairs.
- Police documented marks and adhesive residue on her arms, and the criminal complaint says Ward admitted restraining her.
- Ward faces felony abduction and misdemeanor assault on a family member charges and is scheduled to return to court on November 10.
A Virginia man is facing criminal charges after allegedly taping his wife to a chair in their basement while he watched football upstairs.
Terry Ward, 64, was arrested following a domestic disturbance at the couple's Richmond home on Sunday, October 11, according to CBS 6 Richmond (WTVR).
Officers responded to a residence in the 2200 block of Maplewood Avenue near Byrd Park around 11:30 p.m. When police arrived, they reportedly discovered Ward upstairs while his wife was in the basement.
According to a criminal complaint filed in Richmond court, Ward's wife told responding officers that her husband had restrained her using tape.
"When I arrived on scene, [name redacted] stated that her husband had tied her to a chair with tape in the basement," an officer wrote in the complaint.
The woman told investigators that she had been restrained for approximately 30 to 45 minutes. Police also documented visible marks and adhesive residue on both of her arms, which supported her account of what happened. Ward allegedly acknowledged tying up his wife when officers questioned him.
"Terry stated that he did indeed tied his wife [name redacted] to a chair and place[d] her down in the basement," the complaint reads.
Sources familiar with the incident told Virginia Statewide Incidents that Ward allegedly left his wife downstairs so he could watch football. Authorities have not confirmed which game he was watching or what led to the confrontation.
The allegations began circulating online after Virginia Statewide Incidents shared details of the case on Facebook. The story later gained traction through Instagram and other social media platforms. Ward is facing serious criminal charges, including felony abduction and misdemeanor assault on a family member.
Under Virginia law, abduction is generally classified as a Class 5 felony and includes unlawfully restraining someone through force, intimidation or deception with the intention of depriving them of their freedom.
Ward's arraignment and bond hearing were reportedly postponed earlier this week. He is now scheduled to appear in Richmond Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court on November 10.
