Detroit Fire Battalion Chief Placed on Unpaid Leave
Thomas Suchora faces misdemeanor charges following an alleged road rage incident in Livonia.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Accidents
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The Detroit Fire Department has placed battalion chief Thomas Suchora on unpaid leave after he was charged with misdemeanor assault, battery, and property destruction. The charges stem from an alleged road rage encounter in Livonia.
Why it matters
The department acted to maintain standards of professionalism and accountability for its leadership. The case follows reports of a confrontation that allegedly occurred after Suchora felt delayed by another driver.
Thomas Suchora faces misdemeanor charges of assault, battery, and malicious destruction of property. These charges were brought following an investigation that utilized recordings from a phone call made by the suspect during the incident.
The players
Thomas Suchora
He is a battalion chief for the Detroit Fire Department who currently faces criminal charges.
Todd Richards
He is the individual who reported the alleged assault and property damage to authorities.
Detroit Fire Department
This municipal agency manages fire suppression and emergency services for the city of Detroit.
The details
Todd Richards alleges that during the encounter near Plymouth Road and Levan Road, Suchora struck him and damaged both his glasses and phone. Richards reported sustaining a torn ligament in his thumb during the confrontation, which allegedly began due to a traffic delay at a railroad track.
Timeline
The alleged road rage incident occurred in August 2026.
The incident was reported on September 29, 2026.
Legal Context
This case follows the standard legal process for misdemeanor prosecution within the Michigan court system. Such incidents involving public officials are frequently subject to heightened scrutiny regarding internal workplace conduct policies.
The incident has drawn attention to the conduct of city leadership while off-duty. Residents should note that the investigation is ongoing and police have utilized independent witness accounts to corroborate reports of the confrontation.
The takeaway
Maintaining professional conduct remains a central requirement for those in public safety leadership roles. Drivers involved in traffic disputes are encouraged to prioritize de-escalation to avoid legal complications.
Further reading
For more information on incidents in the region, visit the Detroit Accidents section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WXYZ 7 News Detroit.
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