A bizarre workplace dispute inside a South Carolina police department has resulted in the arrest and termination of a veteran detective after authorities say he pointed his service weapon at a fellow officer who was microwaving fish in the office.
The incident occurred at the Myrtle Beach Police Department and quickly escalated from what appeared to be a disagreement over food odors into a criminal case that has attracted national attention.
Detective Accused of Pulling Gun During Workplace Confrontation
According to the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), 46-year-old Michael DeBiase, a detective with the Myrtle Beach Police Department, was charged with pointing and presenting a firearm at a person after an altercation involving another officer. Investigators say the confrontation began when a fellow officer warmed fish in a microwave, creating a strong odor inside the police department’s offices.
Authorities allege that DeBiase confronted the officer about the smell. During the dispute, he allegedly removed his department-issued handgun and pointed it at the officer. No injuries were reported during the incident.
Incident Took Place Inside Police Department Briefing Room
Police officials said the confrontation happened inside the department’s briefing room. The Myrtle Beach Police Department stated that DeBiase allegedly removed his firearm from its holster and pointed it at another officer while inside the facility.
While investigators have disclosed that the dispute stemmed from fish being heated in a microwave, officials have not identified the other officer involved, nor have they specified what type of fish was being reheated.
Immediate Administrative Leave and Internal Investigation
Following the incident, the Myrtle Beach Police Department immediately placed DeBiase on administrative leave. The department launched an internal investigation through its Office of Professional Standards while SLED conducted a separate criminal investigation.
Officials later announced that investigators identified several policy violations during the review process. As a result, the department terminated DeBiase’s employment.
Police Department Issues Strong Statement
In a public statement, the Myrtle Beach Police Department emphasized that the alleged actions do not represent the values of the agency.
The department stated that the incident does not reflect the professionalism demonstrated by its officers and employees. At the same time, officials said the case demonstrates the department’s commitment to accountability and its willingness to take action when employee conduct falls below expected standards.
The department further stressed that officers are entrusted with significant responsibility and are expected to demonstrate professionalism, integrity, sound judgment, and respect for others at all times.
Criminal Charge Could Carry Serious Consequences
DeBiase has been charged with “pointing and presenting a firearm at a person,” an offense that is considered a felony under South Carolina law. According to authorities, a conviction could result in a court-determined fine and a prison sentence of up to five years.
Officials have not disclosed whether the firearm was loaded at the time of the alleged incident.
Arrest and Release from Jail
Following the investigation, DeBiase was arrested and booked into the J. Reuben Long Detention Center in Horry County. Court records show he was released several hours later. Reports have varied regarding bond details, with some records indicating no bail was initially set while others reported a $5,000 bond.
As of the latest reports, no attorney information had been listed in publicly available court records, and it was not immediately known whether DeBiase had entered a plea.
Court Appearance Scheduled
Court records indicate that DeBiase is expected to appear in court on August 14 as the criminal case proceeds through the legal system. Investigators have not released additional details regarding evidence gathered during the investigation.
Incident Draws Widespread Attention
The unusual circumstances surrounding the case quickly generated widespread attention online and across national media outlets. While many people joked about the long-standing office debate over reheating fish in shared microwaves, law enforcement officials emphasized that the case is being treated as a serious criminal matter involving the alleged use of a firearm during a workplace confrontation.
The Myrtle Beach Police Department has stated that it remains committed to maintaining public trust through accountability and adherence to professional standards, regardless of the circumstances surrounding any alleged misconduct.
What Happens Next
The former detective now faces a felony firearm-related charge while no disciplinary action against the other officer has been reported. The legal proceedings will determine whether DeBiase is ultimately convicted of the offense, which could carry significant criminal penalties and permanently impact his law enforcement career.
