A former Myrtle Beach Police Department detective faces a felony charge after he allegedly pointed his service weapon at a fellow officer during a workplace dispute over the smell of microwaved fish.
Michael Debiase, 46, was arrested Tuesday by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) on a charge of pointing and presenting a firearm at a person. The incident occurred on Saturday, May 30, inside the department’s briefing room at police headquarters in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
According to the arrest warrant, Debiase confronted another officer who was warming up fish in the microwave, complaining about the resulting odor in the office. During the confrontation, authorities say he drew his department-issued handgun and pointed it at the other officer. No one was injured.
The Myrtle Beach Police Department placed Debiase on administrative leave immediately after the incident. Following an internal investigation, the department separated employment with him for multiple policy violations. The agency emphasized in a public statement that the alleged conduct does not align with its values of professionalism and accountability.
Debiase posted a $5,000 bond following his arrest. The case remains under investigation by SLED.
This unusual workplace incident has drawn significant public attention due to its bizarre circumstances. It highlights ongoing challenges law enforcement agencies face in maintaining internal standards and professionalism, even in routine daily interactions. The department has not released further details about the involved officers or potential disciplinary outcomes beyond the separation of employment.
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