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What a surprising turn of events!
A police officer in South Carolina found himself in hot water after being accused of drawing his service weapon on a colleague over a fishy situation at the station.
Michael Debiase, a 46-year-old detective with the Myrtle Beach Police Department, was charged with pointing and presenting a firearm at another person following an incident on June 2, as detailed in an arrest warrant.
According to the Myrtle Beach Police Department’s statement, Debiase allegedly removed his department-issued firearm from its holster in the briefing room and aimed it at a fellow officer. This action led to his immediate dismissal from the force.
“Following the incident, he was promptly placed on administrative leave,” stated the MBPD. This allowed time for thorough investigations conducted by both the 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.