In an unusual turn of events, a police officer in South Carolina finds himself out of a job and facing legal trouble after an incident involving a fishy situation at the station. Michael Debiase, 46, who served as a detective with the Myrtle Beach Police Department, has been charged with pointing and presenting a firearm at a person. This charge stems from an altercation on June 2, where he allegedly drew his service weapon on a colleague over the contentious act of microwaving fish.
The Myrtle Beach Police Department revealed that the incident occurred in the police department’s briefing room, where Debiase reportedly removed his department-issued firearm from its holster and aimed it at another officer. In response to this alarming behavior, the department swiftly moved to end Debiase’s employment, citing the serious nature of his actions.
Following the incident, Debiase was immediately placed on administrative leave. Investigations were launched by both the Myrtle Beach Police Department’s Office of Professional Standards and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division to thoroughly assess the situation and ensure accountability.
While the department’s statement refrained from disclosing whether the firearm was loaded at the time of the confrontation, the seriousness of the charges underscores the gravity of the situation. As the investigation continues, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the responsibilities that come with carrying a service weapon.
“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.”
The department didn’t specify whether Debiase’s gun was loaded during the alleged encounter.
“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.”
According to state law, the offense of pointing a firearm at another person is a felony which carries a penalty of a court-determined fine or a prison term not to exceed five years.
Debiase was booked into the J. Reuben Long Detention Center in Horry County Tuesday morning and released several hours later, according to court records. No bail was set.
His next court appearance is scheduled for Aug. 14. No attorney information was available in the court documents viewed by The Post.
