Two people are now charged with chaining their developmentally disabled son to a metal pole in the basement of their home.

It all started with a gas station worker who had someone call police to report a bare footed man in chains. And after talking to the 21-year-old man, and going to his house, officers arrested his parents.

Mai Vang Xiong and Song Xiong's arrests Monday night started at the Mobile gas station on the north side of Eau Claire.

Megan Sheehan was working Monday night when Cheng Xiong walked in and asked for a key, “I was like what do you mean, I don't have a key, so he pointed down and I looked over the counter and he was barefoot and had chains around his ankles, with a bolt lock and it was tied around with rope.”

That's when the Eau Claire Police were called. Deputy Chief Eric Larsen says, “Officers did some more investigation which led them to believe this man had been frequently kept chained inside a residence on Davey street.”

Cheng Xiong was then taken into protective custody by social services.

Tuesday morning the Xiong's sat side by side, listening to what prosecutors allege they've done to their son. Prosecutor Wade Newell says, “I understand there may be cultural differences but as the court can see nothing was done with those chains to make it a more comfortable situation for the victim.”

The Xiong family's friend Pete Roller says while he's glad Cheng Xiong is finally being taken care of, he says the parents are good people who were only trying to do what was best for their son. He says, “These are very kind, loving people and the whole things gotten out of control. The young man is getting worse in his outbursts, and they need to protect him from himself.”

In court Tuesday morning prosecutors also said Cheng had been beaten with boxing gloves and a wooden stick by his father Song Xiong and other individuals.

Eau Claire Police say this is an ongoing investigation, and the Chippewa County District Attorney could file additional charges against the Xiong’s.

Wynne Cook is a social worker in Chippewa County for children and youth with special health care needs. She says there are many local organizations that will help parents of disabled children, “You worry if people have language barriers of if they feel isolated for other reasons they may not know where to turn; and so we're always working on ways to connect with families at risk.”

If you are in need of help you can go to your local health care facility or call the western regional center in Chippewa Falls at 1-800-400-3678.