Fire Chief Arraigned on Misdemeanor Charges in Livonia
A judge entered not guilty pleas for Battalion Chief Thomas Suchora following an alleged assault in Livonia.
Updated on Oct. 8, 2026 in Accidents
Detroit Fire Department Battalion Chief Thomas Suchora appeared in a Livonia courtroom this week to face two misdemeanor charges. The charges follow an alleged road altercation involving a motorcyclist near Plymouth Road and Levan Road.
Why it matters
The case involves a high-ranking public official currently suspended from duty by his department. The outcome of these charges will determine whether Suchora can resume his role with the city of Detroit.
A judge entered not guilty pleas on behalf of Thomas Suchora for charges of malicious destruction of property and assault and battery. The court has ordered the defendant to have no contact with the victim, Todd Richards.
The players
Thomas Suchora
He is a Detroit Fire Department Battalion Chief currently on unpaid leave following his arrest.
Todd Richards
He is the individual who reported being assaulted while riding his motorcycle near the intersection of Plymouth and Levan roads.
Detroit Fire Department
This municipal agency provides fire and emergency response services to the city of Detroit.
The details
Thomas Suchora allegedly exited his vehicle to confront Todd Richards while he was on his motorcycle near the intersection of Plymouth Road and Levan Road. The incident reportedly resulted in injuries to the hand of Richards and damage to his personal property, including his glasses and phone.
Timeline
The alleged assault took place on the afternoon of Tuesday, October 1, 2026.
Thomas Suchora appeared in a Livonia courtroom on October 8, 2026.
A follow-up court appearance for the defendant is scheduled for October 22, 2026.
Legal Context
This case proceeds under standard Michigan penal codes governing malicious destruction of property and assault and battery. Such proceedings follow established state legal precedents for processing misdemeanor complaints in local district courts.
Residents of the Livonia area should be aware of the ongoing judicial process involving a public official. The court's order prohibiting contact between the parties involved serves as a standard safety measure for those connected to the case.
The takeaway
Public officials remain subject to the same legal scrutiny as private citizens when facing criminal allegations in local courts. Monitoring upcoming court dates is essential for those tracking the professional status of personnel within municipal departments.
What happens next
Thomas Suchora is scheduled to return to court for further proceedings on October 22, 2026.
Further reading
For updates on local legal proceedings, visit the Livonia Accidents section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WXYZ 7 News Detroit.
