A detective who pulled a gun on a patrolman for microwaving fish in the station's break room has signed a plea deal that prevents him from ever being a police officer again.
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Michael DeBiase, who held his co-worker at gunpoint on May 30, has pleaded guilty to charges connected to his lunchtime tantrum. Per court orders, DeBiase must "surrender his ... police certification and never seek reinstatement."
Witnesses accuse DeBiase of pressing a co-worker about microwaving seafood in the job site's shared break room. The situation quickly escalated, with the 46-year-old ex-detective drawing a firearm.
It is not clear whether the firearm was loaded.
Myrtle Beach Police Department announced that DeBiase was placed on administrative leave immediately following the incident.
"This incident does not reflect the values demonstrated by the men and women of the Myrtle Beach Police Department every day. However, it does demonstrate our commitment to accountability. And our willingness to address conduct that falls short of our expectations," MBPD said in a statement.
DeBiase was booked into J. Reuben Long Detention Center in Horry County on June 4, but was later released without bail, according to public records.
In addition to losing his police privileges, DeBiase was placed on probation and issued a $350 fine. He will not serve jail time.
Judge Denies Bond For State Trooper Who Killed Patrolman
Across the border, a North Carolina trooper is accused of fatally shooting a police officer over involvement in an alleged love triangle.
Sgt. Nekime Matu Oxendine, 44, was indicted on first-degree murder charges on Sept. 7 for allegedly fatally shooting Cumberland County Sheriff's Office Cap. Adam Bean on March 27, WRAL reported.
Oxendine allegedly fired several gunshots at Bean after discovering him at the home of a woman they were both romantically involved with.
When officers arrived, the unidentified woman was performing CPR on Bean, but he later succumbed to his injuries.
Both men were off duty at the time.
Oxendine is claiming self-defense, according to court documents. A judge has denied his request for bond.
The order also states that the state is not seeking the death penalty.
Oxendine's next court appearance is scheduled for early November, and he will remain in custody without bond until then.
