South Carolina Detective Fired and Arrested Over Firearm Incident

A detective in South Carolina faced arrest and termination after allegedly pointing his department-issued firearm at a colleague inside a police station. The incident reportedly arose from a disagreement over the microwaving of fish in a communal microwave.

Michael Debiase, aged 46, served as a detective with the Myrtle Beach Police Department. He was taken into custody on June 2, charged with the offense of pointing and presenting a firearm at another individual. According to The New York Post, Debiase was upset over a fellow officer using the microwave for fish, leading to him allegedly aiming his weapon at the colleague.

Following an internal investigation, the Myrtle Beach Police Department parted ways with Debiase. The department’s Facebook page detailed the incident, stating that Debiase drew his department-issued firearm while in the department’s briefing room and aimed it at another officer. It remains unclear if the firearm was loaded at the time.

The investigation revealed several policy breaches. Debiase was placed on administrative leave immediately after the incident. The Office of Professional Standards and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division conducted thorough investigations, identifying the violations.

The department emphasized the importance of professionalism, integrity, sound judgment, and respect among its members. They assured the public of their commitment to accountability, saying, “This incident does not reflect the values demonstrated by the men and women of the Myrtle Beach Police Department every day. However, it demonstrates our commitment to accountability and our willingness to address conduct that falls short of our expectations.”

South Carolina law states that pointing a firearm at another person is a felony, punishable with a court-determined fine or imprisonment for up to five years. Debiase was booked at the J. Reuben Long Detention Center in Horry County. He was released later with no bail set.

The department reiterated their dedication to upholding high standards and maintaining public trust through stringent accountability measures.

Debiase’s court appearance is scheduled for August 14. Attempts to garner further comment from the Myrtle Beach Police Department were not successful at the time of reporting.