A 46-year-old Myrtle Beach detective has been fired, arrested, and charged after pointing a department-issued firearm at a fellow officer during a heated argument over microwaved fish at the Myrtle Beach Police Department. Michael DeBiase, a detective with the department, allegedly escalated a workplace dispute over the smell of fish in the office microwave into a confrontation that involved drawing his service weapon.

The incident prompted an immediate investigation by the Myrtle Beach Police Department and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), the state’s independent investigative agency. The joint inquiry uncovered multiple policy violations beyond the firearm incident, leading to DeBiase’s termination. Following the investigation, authorities obtained an arrest warrant, and DeBiase was booked into the J. Reuben Long Detention Center in Horry County, South Carolina. Specific charges have not yet been publicly released, but pointing a firearm at another person could result in felony charges such as assault with a deadly weapon or brandishing a firearm under South Carolina law.

The Myrtle Beach Police Department serves the city’s permanent population of approximately 35,000, which swells with tourists during peak season. The incident occurred within the station itself, not in the field or during a high-stress law enforcement operation, highlighting the extraordinary nature of the confrontation and raising questions about workplace culture, officer conduct, and departmental oversight.

SLED’s involvement ensures an independent and transparent investigation, preventing conflicts of interest when an officer is accused of criminal conduct. The internal affairs review conducted by the department further revealed policy violations, reflecting the seriousness of DeBiase’s actions and the breach of trust inherent in pointing a firearm at a colleague.

The case has drawn national attention due to the unusual circumstances: a dispute over microwaved fish escalating to a life-threatening act with a service weapon. It has sparked broader conversations about workplace safety in law enforcement, stress management, and mental health resources for officers, who often work in high-pressure environments. While these factors may contextualize the incident, they do not excuse the criminal and professional violations involved.

The Myrtle Beach Police Department responded swiftly, placing DeBiase on administrative leave, cooperating with investigators, and ultimately terminating his employment. The case now proceeds through the Horry County court system, where DeBiase will face the full weight of the law.

This episode serves as a stark reminder of the responsibilities that come with carrying a firearm, the importance of professional conduct, and the need for oversight and mental health support within law enforcement agencies. The Myrtle Beach community and law enforcement colleagues are left to process the shock of an incident that began over a mundane office disagreement but escalated into a criminal act.