Man Charged After Choking Girlfriend, Threatening 'You're Going to Die Today'

Cleveland Heights police responded to multiple incidents of domestic violence, property damage, and auto theft in recent weeks.

Mar. 20, 2026 at 7:52am

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A 19-year-old man was arrested after allegedly choking his on-and-off girlfriend, 17, and threatening her life during a dispute at her apartment. The incident involved accusations of infidelity, thrown belongings, and the use of knives by both parties, resulting in minor injuries. Police also responded to other cases of disorderly conduct, auto theft, and aggravated menacing in the Cleveland Heights area.

Why it matters

Domestic violence incidents like this highlight the ongoing challenges of addressing intimate partner abuse, mental health issues, and public safety in the community. The repeated auto theft of the same vehicle also raises concerns about property crime trends and the effectiveness of law enforcement responses.

The details

According to the police report, the 19-year-old man went to his girlfriend's apartment to retrieve his belongings. An argument ensued, and he allegedly pinned her down on the bed and strangled her, telling her 'You're going to die today.' The girlfriend said she was able to break free, get a knife from the kitchen, and throw it at the man, cutting his neck. The man admitted to damaging the apartment door with the knife. Police found minor injuries on both parties. The man faces potential charges including aggravated menacing, assault, strangulation, and criminal trespassing.

  • On March 15, police responded to the apartment at 2:40 p.m.
  • The incident occurred earlier that day.

The players

19-year-old man

The man involved in the domestic violence incident with his on-and-off girlfriend.

17-year-old girlfriend

The woman involved in the domestic violence incident with her on-and-off boyfriend.

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What they’re saying

“You're going to die today.”

— 19-year-old man

“He pinned me on the bed and strangled me.”

— 17-year-old girlfriend

What’s next

The judge will decide on Tuesday whether to allow the 19-year-old man out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges of addressing domestic violence, mental health issues, and public safety in the Cleveland Heights community, as well as the need for more effective interventions to prevent repeat offenses and protect vulnerable individuals.