South Carolina Detective Arrested for Allegedly Pointing Firearm at Fellow Officer

A former detective from the Myrtle Beach Police Department in South Carolina, Michael Debiase, was arrested after allegedly pointing his department-issued firearm at a fellow officer inside the police station. The confrontation reportedly arose from a dispute over microwaving fish in a communal microwave.

The incident led to Debiase’s arrest on June 2, where he faced charges of pointing and presenting a firearm at a person, according to an arrest warrant cited by The New York Post.

Following an internal investigation, the police department terminated Debiase’s employment. The alleged incident, as described in a statement on the department’s Facebook page, involved Debiase removing his firearm from its holster and aiming it at another officer in the briefing room. The department did not disclose if the firearm was loaded.

He was placed on administrative leave immediately after the incident. The investigations were conducted by the Myrtle Beach Police Department’s Office of Professional Standards and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division. Several policy violations emerged from the Office of Professional Standards investigation, the statement revealed.

The department emphasized that its employees are expected to demonstrate professionalism, integrity, sound judgment, and respect for others. A statement underscored the commitment to accountability and addressing conduct that does not meet expectations.

Violations of policy and professional standards are taken seriously by the department, which maintains its commitment to the community’s trust and the high standards expected of those serving the City of Myrtle Beach.

Under South Carolina law, pointing a firearm at another person is a felony and could result in a fine determined by the court or a prison sentence of up to five years.

Debiase was booked at the J. Reuben Long Detention Center in Horry County and released shortly after without bail. He is scheduled to appear in court on August 14.