Break room etiquette is a huge component of a healthy work environment. During lunch break, there are a few unwritten rules that every office abides by: don't steal someone else's meal, and clean up after yourself.
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Breaking these house rules can draw animosity amongst your peers in most workplaces. For a police department in South Carolina, the punishment for break room misconduct borders on life-or-death.
A detective allegedly pulled his gun on a patrolman for spreading a foul odor through a Myrtle Beach police station by microwaving seafood.
The department did not specify whether the firearm was loaded.
Michael DeBiase Relieved of Duties
The quick-tempered detective Michael Debiase, 46, has since been fired. He is facing a federal felony charge for allegedly pointing his firearm at his colleague. The incident occurred on May 30.
"He was placed on administrative leave immediately following the incident. Investigations were conducted by the Myrtle Beach Police Department's Office of Professional Standards and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division. Based on information learned during the Office of Professional Standards investigation, several policy violations were identified," MBPD wrote in a press release.
Debiase was booked into the J. Reuben Long Detention Center in Horry County on Tuesday. The 46-year-old was later released without bail, according to public records.
"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," the statement continued.
According to South Carolina law, pointing a firearm at another person is a felony punishable by a fine determined by the court or a prison sentence of up to five years.
Debiase's arrest warrant noted that his case will be prosecuted by the 15th Circuit Solicitor's Office.
Debiase is scheduled to appear in court on Aug. 14.
