The police officials arrested Michigan‘s 37th District Court Chief Judge John Chmura on suspicion of operating while intoxicated after authorities said he rear-ended a SMART bus with his Ford Fusion, carrying passengers in Sterling Heights. Officers reached the scene shortly after the collision was reported.

As per Metro Detroit Police Cam‘s YouTube channel, the incident took place on March 25, 2026, at around 11:30 p.m. in the area of Van Dyke Avenue near Triangle Drive. During the official’s initial conversation with Judge Chmura, the officials were able to identify hints of possible intoxication, including the odor of alcoholic beverages, slurred speech, and unsteady movement.

During the investigation, it emerged that the judge was returning from a judicial fundraiser event before the accident occurred, where he admitted to having drunk “too much.” The police officer then asked him to show his necessary driving documents, including the driving license, but the defendant took a lot of time finding them, which was also taken as a sign of impairment.

Chmura also struggled to take routine field sobriety tests, which included counting, eye movement tests, and reciting the alphabet. He initially refused to take the roadside preliminary breath test (PBT), stressing that he had been on the bench for 30 years, but regardless, he was arrested, with the officer insisting, “Unfortunately, we all have a job to do.”

Judge Chmura later agreed to take a chemical blood test before checking with the officers, “If I don’t take the blood test, you need a warrant. Correct?” He then agreed, suggesting, “I’ll take it.” After he agreed to the blood draw, the officials once again offered him the PBT, and he agreed.

Officers then took the judicial veteran to the hospital and placed him in a wheelchair to prevent him from falling. Meanwhile, officers who stayed back at the incident’s scene inquired about the passengers’ well-being when two of them complained of back pain and were evaluated by the medical personnel but eventually declined transportation to the hospital.

Upon their arrival, medical staff collected his two vials of blood, which were sent for further examination while he was transported to the Macomb County Jail. Subsequent blood tests determined that Judge Chmura’s blood alcohol concentration was 0.19%, significantly above Michigan’s legal limit of 0.08% and even higher than his roadside preliminary breath test result of 0.16%.

Police observed that the defendant’s blood alcohol levels were still rising at the time of the accident, due to which the charges were enhanced to operating while intoxicated, high BAC, applicable in cases when a driver’s blood alcohol concentration is 0.17% or higher. The offense carries penalties of up to 180 days in jail and fines of up to $700 under Michigan law.

However, Chmura’s case was transferred to St. Clair County, considering his over three decades of service in the local court system. Prosecutor Michael Wendling was appointed to handle the case to avoid partiality and maintain public confidence in the judicial process. The next hearing of the case is now scheduled for the court on August 17, 2026.