A former South Carolina police detective who allegedly pointed his service weapon at a colleague over reheated fish in an office microwave has been sentenced to probation and ordered to permanently give up his law enforcement certification.
Michael DeBiase, 46, was sentenced to 90 days of probation, fined $350 and required to surrender his South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy police certification.
The conditions also prevent him from seeking reinstatement, according to court documents obtained by The Smoking Gun.
Gun Incident Followed Dispute Over Food Odour
The incident occurred last May at the Myrtle Beach Police Department, where DeBiase reportedly confronted a fellow officer for heating fish in the staff break room microwave.
During the confrontation, the former detective allegedly removed his department-issued firearm and pointed it at the colleague, citing the smell caused by the reheated food.
The police department confirmed at the time that the incident took place in its briefing room.
“The alleged incident involved DeBiase removing his department-issued firearm from its holster while in the PD briefing room,” the Myrtle Beach Police Department said in a statement.
Detective Arrested Two Days After Confrontation
DeBiase was arrested on June 2, two days after the reported encounter, and charged with presenting and pointing a firearm at another person, according to an arrest affidavit obtained by The Smoking Gun.
The affidavit stated that the firearm incident occurred as DeBiase confronted his colleague over “warming up fish in the microwave, causing an odor in the office.”
Following the incident, the department immediately placed DeBiase on administrative leave.
He was subsequently separated from his employment with the Myrtle Beach Police Department.
He was booked into the J. Reuben Long Detention Center in Horry County following his arrest.
Wife Posts $5,000 Bond
Court records show that DeBiase’s bond was set at $5,000.
His wife, Astrid DeBiase, posted the bond on June 12, ten days after his arrest.
Court Grants Conditional Discharge
On October 23, the court granted DeBiase a conditional discharge after determining that he had no previous convictions for similar offences.
Under the ruling, he received 90 days of probation and a $350 fine, alongside the permanent surrender of his police certification.
The conditional discharge means the offence will not automatically be entered as a conviction on his record.
However, the judge can formally record it as a conviction if DeBiase breaches any of the conditions imposed by the court.
