Disabled Wis. man chained up, parents arrested

EAU CLAIRE, Wis. -- An investigator says how often a mentally disabled man had been chained to a pole in the basement of a family home remained under investigation Wednesday. But he says police have reports of the man walking away from the family in the past.

Sgt. Bill Slaggie says Eau Claire police were called to a convenience store Monday night and found the 21-year-old man walking around barefoot with heavy chains around his ankles that were padlocked

Slaggie says the man's 57-year-old mother and 48-year-old father were arrested on suspicion of false imprisonment. Each have posted $500 cash bonds.

No charges were filed Wednesday and none were expected this week because Chippewa County District Attorney Jon Theisen was attending a conference.

A message left at the mother's home was not immediately returned Wednesday.

MORE FROM STARTRIBUNE.COM

Startribune.com Section Front

MN health officials concerned about HIV and AIDS   Teen charged in Russian roulette shooting death in St. Paul   Charter school building costs draw lawmakers' attention   MN military mom responds to President's plan for Afghanistan   Wis. DNR: Hunters killed 28 percent fewer deer Startribune.com Section Front   Add Startribune.com headlines to your news reader: