Myrtle Beach Detective Gives Up Police Certification After Fish Dispute

On November 1, 2026, court records described the punishment for Michael DeBiase, a former Myrtle Beach Police Department detective who drew his department-issued gun during a dispute over a colleague heating fish in an office microwave this spring. DeBiase pleaded guilty to public disorderly conduct, and the court ordered him to surrender his South Carolina police certification permanently and never seek reinstatement.

The confrontation took place in the department’s briefing room. An arrest affidavit said DeBiase confronted the colleague about the odor from the fish and pointed his handgun at the person. The records do not say whether the gun was loaded or identify the type of fish.

DeBiase was arrested on June 2 and initially accused of aiming and displaying a gun toward another person. The department said he was put on administrative leave while internal and state investigations were conducted. He later separated from the department.

The court imposed 90 days of probation and a $350 fine. On October 23, DeBiase qualified for a conditional discharge because he had no previous conviction for a similar offense. If he violates its terms, the judge can enter the offense as a conviction on his record.