South Carolina Crime Report
Myrtle Beach detective Michael DeBiase was fired after police said he pointed his service handgun during an argument about fish heated in a station microwave.
Prepared for Crimes of the Week | Verified through July 30, 2026
Summary
DeBiase was a detective with the Myrtle Beach Police Department.
Police said he argued with a patrol officer who was heating fish in a microwave at headquarters.
The disagreement allegedly escalated when DeBiase drew and pointed his department-issued handgun.
He was arrested on a felony firearm charge and released on $5,000 bond.
The department placed him on administrative leave and opened an internal investigation.
DeBiase’s employment was later terminated.
Termination is an administrative result and does not substitute for a criminal conviction.
1. The Crime or Misconduct
DeBiase was a detective with the Myrtle Beach Police Department.
Police said he argued with a patrol officer who was heating fish in a microwave at headquarters.
The central legal question is whether the evidence proves the charged conduct or supports the reported disciplinary outcome. The unusual object, food, slogan, vehicle or social-media angle may explain why the case attracted attention, but it does not alter the required burden of proof.
2. Crime Location
The reported event occurred at Myrtle Beach Police Department headquarters. Exact residential addresses and unnecessary identifying information are omitted.
3. Date and Time
The relevant reported date or period was May 30, 2026. Later procedural developments are reflected in the case-status section.
4. Police Department or Investigating Authority
The matter was handled by Myrtle Beach Police Department and outside criminal review. Court and disciplinary bodies may have become involved after the initial investigation.
5. Defendant or Subject Name
The person or people identified in the public record were Michael DeBiase.
6. Age
The reported age or age range was 46.
7. Charges or Proceeding
The principal charge or proceeding was Felony pointing or presenting a firearm.
The precise wording of a charge can change through amendment, reduction, plea negotiations or verdict. This article uses the most recent verified description available.
8. Bond Amount or Custody
$5,000.
9. Conviction
The available public record did not establish a final conviction. The subject must be described according to the current procedural status rather than as guilty.
10. Sentence
No final criminal sentence was verified unless specifically stated in the status or outcome above. Bond amounts and statutory maximums are not sentences.
11. Outcome
DeBiase was placed on leave and later fired.
Administrative actions such as termination, no-contact orders or professional discipline are separate from a criminal conviction unless the public record states otherwise.
12. Victim
A patrol officer involved in the microwave dispute.
Private addresses and unnecessary personal details are not included. Minor victims are not identified.
Victim Name
The victim information is limited to what was necessary and publicly reported above.
Victim Age
Any publicly reported victim age is included above. No age is inferred when the source did not provide one.
13. Thoughts
Microwaved fish is an office grievance, not an armed emergency. The alleged escalation is especially serious because the weapon and authority came from public employment. The department could act on workplace standards while the court separately decides criminal guilt.
SEO Keywords
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Sources
Suggested Tags
Michael DeBiase, Myrtle Beach, Police Misconduct, Firearm, Microwave Fish, Male
This article is based on police records, court reporting and publicly available source material reviewed through July 30, 2026. An arrest or criminal charge is not proof of guilt. Later court developments may require an additional update.
