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Detroit Fire Department Battalion Chief Thomas Suchora was placed on unpaid leave after misdemeanor charges were filed over an alleged August 25, 2026 confrontation in Livonia. The allegations have not been established as facts in court. At the time of Local 4’s October 1 report, a preliminary hearing was scheduled for October 8.
Why was Thomas Suchora placed on unpaid leave?
Fire Commissioner Chuck Simms said the department placed Suchora on leave without pay after learning of the charges, pending the outcome of the criminal matter. Simms told Local 4: “Upon learning of the charges, the chief was placed on leave without pay pending the outcome of the criminal matter. Members of our leadership team are held to the highest standards of professionalism, accountability and conduct. We will refrain from further comment as we allow the legal process to move forward.”
Local 4 reported that Suchora had worked at Battalion 3 as recently as Tuesday, September 29, 2026, and was placed on unpaid leave shortly thereafter.
What does the report say happened in Livonia?
Local 4 reported that the alleged confrontation took place at about 12:15 p.m. on August 25, after two men crossed a railroad crossing near Levan and Plymouth in Livonia. The complainant, Todd Richards, 64, told the outlet that Suchora pushed him, took off and threw his glasses, and later took and threw his phone when Richards tried to photograph the license plate. Richards also said he was left with torn ligaments in his left hand. These are Richards’s allegations, not court findings.
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The report says Suchora was taken into custody. It does not establish that the alleged actions occurred as described.
What charges does Suchora face?
According to Local 4, Suchora faces two misdemeanor charges in 16th District Court: assault and battery, and malicious destruction of property. A charge is an accusation; it is not a conviction or a finding that the accused committed the conduct alleged.
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When is the next court date?
Local 4 reported that a preliminary hearing was scheduled for October 8, 2026. That date was still upcoming as of the outlet’s October 1 report. No hearing outcome or later case development is established here.
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Is he Detroit’s fire chief?
Suchora is identified in the report as a Detroit Fire Department battalion chief, not the department’s executive fire commissioner. The City of Detroit identifies Chuck Simms as Executive Fire Commissioner. The City’s Detroit Fire Department page provides the department’s official information.
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Has a civil lawsuit been filed?
Local 4 reported that Richards said he planned to file a civil lawsuit. The report does not say that a suit had been filed.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What is known—and not known—about the case?
- Reported: Local 4’s October 1, 2026 report says misdemeanor charges were filed and that the department placed Suchora on unpaid leave pending the criminal matter.
- Alleged: The account of the encounter and injury is attributed to Richards.
- Not established: The available reporting does not establish a court finding, the outcome of the scheduled hearing, whether charges later changed, whether a civil suit was filed, or whether Suchora’s employment status later changed.
Read Local 4’s October 1 report for its account of the incident and the department’s response.
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