Police probe evidence of man chained up

EAU CLAIRE, Wis. (AP) - Eau Claire police are investigating after finding evidence that the family of a mentally disabled man had often chained him to a pole in their basement.

It started Monday evening when police went to a convenience store at state Highway 53 and East Melby Street and found a 21-year-old man walking around barefoot with a heavy chain around his ankles.

Police say their investigation revealed allegations that the man was often chained to a metal pole in the basement of a family member. Police found a metal pole at an Eau Claire residence and other evidence to support the allegation.

Two Eau Claire residents, one a 57-year-old woman and the other a 48-year-old year old man, were arrested on suspicion of false imprisonment on Monday and are awaiting possible charges from Chippewa County prosecutors.