Inset: Michael DeBiase (Myrtle Beach Police Department/Facebook). Background: The Myrtle Beach Police Department headquarters (Google Maps).
Michael DeBiase, aged 46, found himself arrested on Tuesday, facing charges for allegedly pointing and presenting a firearm at another individual. The charges stem from an altercation that took place on May 30, as confirmed by the South Carolina State Law Enforcement Division.
Following the incident, the Myrtle Beach Police Department terminated DeBiase’s employment, citing a breach of departmental protocols. The department made the announcement via a post on their Facebook page, emphasizing their commitment to uphold professional standards.
According to the arrest warrant, the confrontation was prompted by the odor of fish in the office. During the heated exchange, DeBiase reportedly drew his department-issued firearm and aimed it at the patrol officer.
The warrant specifies that this confrontation unfolded at the Myrtle Beach Police Department’s headquarters on North Oak Street. Following the incident, the South Carolina State Law Enforcement Division initiated an investigation at the request of the police department, which ultimately led to DeBiase’s arrest.
The warrant says DeBiase confronted a patrol officer about the fish odor while they were at MBPD headquarters at 1101 North Oak Street. SLED launched an investigation at MBPD”s request, and DeBiase was arrested as a result.
“The alleged incident involved DeBiase removing his department-issued firearm from its holster while in the PD briefing room,” the MBPD says in its Facebook post. “He was placed on administrative leave immediately following the incident while investigations were conducted by the Myrtle Beach Police Department’s Office of Professional Standards and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division. Based on information learned during the Office of Professional Standards investigation, several policy violations were identified.”
MBPD officials say that DeBiase’s actions do not reflect “the values demonstrated by the men and women of the Myrtle Beach Police Department every day,” per the MBPD Facebook post. “However, it does demonstrate our commitment to accountability and our willingness to address conduct that falls short of our expectations,” the department says.
DeBiase was booked into the J. Reuben Long Detention Center in Horry County and is expected to be prosecuted by the 15th Circuit Solicitor’s Office. He has since been released on a $5,000 bond.
