Detective arrested after allegedly pulling gun on fellow officer for microwaving fish at police station

A detective from South Carolina found himself in hot water after an unexpected incident at a police station led to his arrest and dismissal. The detective, identified as Michael Debiase, allegedly aimed his service weapon at a colleague, reportedly due to a dispute over the microwaving of fish in a shared kitchen space.

Michael Debiase, aged 46, was serving with the Myrtle Beach Police Department at the time of the incident. On June 2, he was taken into custody and now faces charges of pointing and presenting a firearm at another person.

The incident, as reported by the New York Post, was apparently triggered by Debiase’s frustration over a fellow officer’s choice to reheat fish in the station’s microwave, leading to the dramatic confrontation.

Following an internal probe, the Myrtle Beach Police Department confirmed it had terminated Debiase’s employment as a result of the findings.

The arrest of Michael Debiase took place on June 2, with charges related to the alleged confrontation with a fellow officer.

A statement on the department’s Facebook page detailed the event, indicating that Debiase allegedly drew his department-issued firearm from its holster and pointed it at another officer during a briefing session at the police department.

The department did not specify whether the firearm was loaded.

“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,” the statement said.

The department said its employees are entrusted with “professionalism, integrity, sound judgment, and respect for others.”

“This incident does not reflect the values demonstrated by the men and women of the Myrtle Beach Police Department every day. However, it does demonstrate our commitment to accountability and our willingness to address conduct that falls short of our expectations,” the statement continued.

“The Myrtle Beach Police Department takes violations of policy and professional standards seriously. We remain committed to maintaining the trust of our community by holding our employees accountable and ensuring they uphold the high standards expected of those who serve the City of Myrtle Beach.”

According to South Carolina law, pointing a firearm at another person is a felony punishable by a fine determined by the court or a prison sentence of up to five years.

Myrtle Beach police cruiser parked on street at night

The Myrtle Beach Police Department wrote in a Facebook post that they have ‘separated employment’ with Debiase. (Myrtle Beach Police Department)

Debiase was booked into the J. Reuben Long Detention Center in Horry County and released several hours later, according to court records. No bail was set.

A representative for the Myrtle Beach Police Department did not immediately respond to News Agency’s request for additional comment.

Debiase is scheduled to appear in court on Aug. 14.

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