Full Breakdown
Former Myrtle Beach Detective Charged After Pointing Handgun at Fellow Officer Over Microwaved Fish
6/3/2026, 7:54:11 AM
Incident Overview: Firearm Pointed During Microwaved Fish Dispute
On May 30, 2023, a confrontation erupted in a briefing room at the Myrtle Beach Police Department (MBPD) after a detective complained that a fellow officer was warming fish in a microwave, creating an odor. According to a warrant issued by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), the detective, Michael Debiase, 46, drew his department-issued handgun and pointed it at the other officer. Both officers later provided statements to investigators. The department also officially began an internal review of the incident. The incident prompted immediate administrative leave for Debiase while the MBPD’s Office of Professional Standards and SLED opened parallel investigations.
Timeline of Key Events
- May 30, 2023 – Microwaved-fish dispute leads to alleged firearm pointing in the MBPD briefing room.
- Tuesday (warrant date) – SLED arrests Debiase and files a felony charge of “pointing and presenting a firearm at a person.”
- August 14, 2023 – Scheduled court hearing.
Legal Charges and Court Proceedings
SLED charged Debiase with the felony of pointing and presenting a firearm at a person. He was booked at the J. Reuben Long Detention Center, posted a $5,000 bond, and is slated for a hearing on August 14, 2023.
Official Statements & Department Response
The MBPD announced Debiase’s separation after the Office of Professional Standards found multiple policy violations. The department stressed accountability, stating the conduct was inconsistent with the values of its officers, and reaffirmed expectations of professionalism, integrity, sound judgment, and respect.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Police have not confirmed whether the handgun was loaded, leaving a factual gap. No further details about the other officer’s perspective have been released.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Based on information learned during the Office of Professional Standards investigation, several policy violations were identified,” — Myrtle Beach Police Department statement
- “This incident does not reflect the values demonstrated by the men and women of the Myrtle Beach Police Department every day.” — Myrtle Beach Police Department statement
- “However, it does demonstrate our commitment to accountability and our willingness to address conduct that falls short of our expectations.” — Myrtle Beach Police Department statement
- “Our employees are entrusted with significant responsibility, and with that comes an expectation of professionalism, integrity, sound judgment, and respect for others,” — Myrtle Beach Police Department statement
What’s Next
Debiase’s case will proceed to the August 14 hearing, where a judge will consider the felony charge and any defense presented. The outcome may influence departmental policies on firearm handling and internal disciplinary procedures, though the MBPD has already indicated its intent to enforce existing standards.
