A South Carolina detective was arrested and terminated after allegedly pointing his department-issued firearm at a fellow officer inside a police station. The incident reportedly occurred on June 2, when Detective Michael Debiase, 46, became upset about another officer microwaving fish in a communal microwave. He was charged with pointing and presenting a firearm at a person.
The Myrtle Beach Police Department stated that Debiase was placed on administrative leave immediately following the incident, which was investigated by the department's Office of Professional Standards and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division. The department identified several policy violations during the investigation.
The department emphasized its commitment to professionalism and accountability, stating that the incident does not reflect the values upheld by its officers. Under South Carolina law, pointing a firearm at another person is a felony that can result in a prison sentence of up to five years.
Debiase was booked into the J. Reuben Long Detention Center and released several hours later without bail. He is scheduled to appear in court on August 14.
