Police Officer Fired After Pointing Gun at Colleague Over Microwave Fish

In a rather surprising turn of events, a police officer in South Carolina has been let go following an incident where he allegedly aimed a firearm at another officer who was heating up fish in the station’s microwave.

Detective Michael DiBiase, 46, with the Myrtle Beach Police Department, faces charges for this incident, which occurred on June 2. An arrest warrant details that he pointed and presented a firearm during the altercation.

The police department reported that DiBiase removed his service weapon from its holster and pointed it at a fellow officer while in the police briefing room. Following the incident, he was placed on administrative leave, pending an investigation from both the Myrtle Beach Police Department’s Office of Professional Standards and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division.

Interestingly, the department has not clarified whether DiBiase’s firearm was loaded at the time.

In an official statement, they emphasized that this situation doesn’t align with the values upheld by the officers there. However, it reflects their commitment to accountability and handling behavior that doesn’t meet their standards.

According to state law, pointing a firearm at someone is classified as a felony. This could lead to significant consequences, including fines or a prison sentence of up to five years.

DiBiase was processed at the J. Reuben Long Detention Center in Horry County, where he was released a few hours later, with no bail set. He is scheduled to appear in court on August 14, though there is no indication yet of legal representation on record.