What was supposed to be a quiet afternoon of college football turned into a felony arrest after a 64-year-old Virginia man forcibly restrained his wife in the basement so he could watch the game without interruption, local authorities confirmed.
According to court records filed in Richmond, officers responded to a domestic disturbance call at the couple’s residence following reports of an altercation. Upon arrival, police were met by the victim, who stated that her husband, Terry Ward, 64, had physically bound her to a chair in the basement using heavy-duty duct tape.
According to the criminal complaint, the victim spent approximately 30 to 45 minutes taped to the chair before she was able to free herself or call for assistance. Responding officers reported observing visible red marks and duct tape residue on both of her arms.
When questioned by law enforcement, Ward reportedly admitted to binding his wife, explaining to officers that he simply wanted to watch the football game upstairs “in peace” without any ongoing arguments or domestic tension.
Ward was immediately taken into custody without further incident. He has been formally charged with felony abduction and misdemeanor domestic assault and battery.
The bizarre details surrounding the motive quickly went viral across news outlets and social media platforms, though authorities emphasized the severity of the charges. Under Virginia law, a conviction for felony abduction carries a potential prison sentence ranging from 1 to 10 years, depending on the final ruling of the court.
Ward was processed at the local county jail, where he remains held pending a formal preliminary court hearing.
