A detective from South Carolina has been taken into custody and subsequently dismissed after an incident where he purportedly aimed his service weapon at a colleague within the police precinct. This altercation reportedly arose due to the officer’s displeasure over a coworker using the communal microwave to heat up fish.
Michael Debiase, aged 46, who served as a detective with the Myrtle Beach Police Department, faced arrest on June 2. He has been officially charged with the offense of pointing and presenting a firearm at another individual.
According to a report by the New York Post, which referenced details from an arrest warrant, Debiase allegedly brandished his gun after being irked by a fellow officer’s decision to microwave fish at the station.
In response to this incident, the Myrtle Beach Police Department stated that they had terminated Debiase’s employment following a thorough internal investigation.
Michael Debiase’s arrest on June 2 was for allegedly directing his firearm towards a police colleague. (J. Reuben Long Detention Center)
According to a statement posted on the department’s Facebook page, the alleged incident involved Debiase “removing his department-issued firearm from its holster while in the PD briefing room and pointing it at another officer.”
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.
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 Media’s request for additional comment.
Debiase is scheduled to appear in court on Aug. 14.
<!–>
