A detective in South Carolina was arrested and subsequently fired for allegedly pointing a department-issued firearm at a fellow officer within a police station. The confrontation reportedly arose from the officer’s discontent with a colleague microwaving fish using a communal microwave.
Michael Debiase, 46, worked as a detective for the Myrtle Beach Police Department. He was arrested on June 2, facing charges for pointing and presenting a firearm at another person. An arrest warrant indicated that Debiase aimed the weapon in frustration over the microwaving incident.
Following a department investigation, Debiase’s employment was terminated. The Myrtle Beach Police Department, in a public statement, confirmed the incident involved the detective aiming his firearm at a colleague inside the police station’s briefing room. Details regarding whether the firearm was loaded remain undisclosed.
Debiase was immediately placed on administrative leave after the incident, while investigations were carried out by the Office of Professional Standards and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division. The inquiries identified multiple policy violations.
“The Myrtle Beach Police Department values professionalism, integrity, sound judgment, and respect for others. This incident undermines the department’s expected standards but reinforces our commitment to accountability,” the statement emphasized.
The department stressed its dedication to maintaining community trust by holding employees accountable and ensuring high standards are met.
Pointing a firearm at another individual constitutes a felony under South Carolina law, punishable by a court-determined fine or up to five years in prison.
Debiase was processed at the J. Reuben Long Detention Center in Horry County and released later that day, according to court records. No bail was set.
Debiase is scheduled for a court appearance on August 14.