ELYRIA — An Elyria man is facing several charges after a domestic violence incident and foot chase that ended on the banks of the Black River.

Michael Greenlief, 27, of Elyria is charged with domestic violence, abduction, aggravated menacing, obstructing official business, resisting arrest and swimming in the Black River after the incident which began Tuesday night and ended Wednesday morning.

According to police reports, the victim arrived home from work to find Greenlief there. An argument ensued, and the victim claimed that Greenlief held a knife to her throat, later threatening to kill her and then himself. The victim said that the argument went on through the night and that at one point she faked passing out while Greenlief was choking her. She said Greenlief then went into a bedroom, returned with the knife, saying he could not live without her, then started hugging her and crying, claiming he was sorry and that he loved her.

Later that morning, she convinced Greenlief to leave, then locked herself in the bedroom and called her brother, who notified police.

Greenlief was later spotted by the brother in downtown Elyria, and police responded and pursued Greenlief. A foot chase followed, with Greenlief crossing the Black River from the west bank to the east bank, where he was arrested behind Riverside Court.

Greenlief is being held at the Lorain County jail pending arraignment.

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