Time to Reel It In: Cop Pulls Gun Over Reheated Seafood
A disagreement over a coworker’s fish lunch escalated into an unauthorized use of force at a Myrtle Beach police station.
SOUTH CAROLINA – A former Myrtle Beach police officer is facing a felony charge after allegedly responding to a coworker’s fish-based lunch with what investigators describe as an unauthorized escalation of force.
According to the arrest warrant, 46-year-old Michael Debiase confronted another officer over the smell of fish being cooked inside the station. The situation reportedly progressed beyond standard odor-mitigation tactics and into territory generally reserved for actual threats.
Authorities allege Debiase drew his department-issued handgun and pointed it at the other officer, instantly upgrading the incident from a workplace disagreement to a criminal investigation.
“Officers lose their temper over paperwork, overtime, and parking spots. Fish is new territory.” –Paul Grady, Sergeant MBPD
Police have not publicly identified the species of fish involved, though court documents suggest it was likely a domestic variety and may not have acted alone. Investigators have yet to determine which ingredients or seasonings may have served as accomplices to the incident. The meal remains tightly sealed in evidence at the time of this writing.
While law enforcement officers routinely train for dangerous encounters, active threats, and high-risk situations, experts agree there is currently no tactical training covering "reheated seafood."
“Does the odor of fish legally constitute a reasonable threat? Precedent is limited.” –Julian Marshfield, Public Defender, Horry County SC
Due to the coastal location of Myrtle Beach, department officials realized that the officer in question could encounter suspects in the field enjoying seafood and react unpredictably. As such, the Myrtle Beach PD was forced to terminate his employment. He now faces a felony charge of pointing and presenting a firearm, with bond set at $5,000.
Investigators continue to review the incident. The fish, meanwhile, has not been charged with any wrongdoing.
Some insiders have suggested Debiase may want to consider relocating to a non-coastal, inland state should he wish to continue a career in law enforcement.
Regardless, the case serves as a reminder that while microwaved seafood may test the limits of workplace harmony, it does not currently meet the legal definition of probable cause in South Carolina.
Justice may be blind, but apparently it can smell fish from across the room.
Based on an article published by abcnews.com
According to the arrest warrant, 46-year-old Michael Debiase confronted another officer over the smell of fish being cooked inside the station. The situation reportedly progressed beyond standard odor-mitigation tactics and into territory generally reserved for actual threats.
Authorities allege Debiase drew his department-issued handgun and pointed it at the other officer, instantly upgrading the incident from a workplace disagreement to a criminal investigation.
“Officers lose their temper over paperwork, overtime, and parking spots. Fish is new territory.” –Paul Grady, Sergeant MBPD
Police have not publicly identified the species of fish involved, though court documents suggest it was likely a domestic variety and may not have acted alone. Investigators have yet to determine which ingredients or seasonings may have served as accomplices to the incident. The meal remains tightly sealed in evidence at the time of this writing.
While law enforcement officers routinely train for dangerous encounters, active threats, and high-risk situations, experts agree there is currently no tactical training covering "reheated seafood."
“Does the odor of fish legally constitute a reasonable threat? Precedent is limited.” –Julian Marshfield, Public Defender, Horry County SC
Due to the coastal location of Myrtle Beach, department officials realized that the officer in question could encounter suspects in the field enjoying seafood and react unpredictably. As such, the Myrtle Beach PD was forced to terminate his employment. He now faces a felony charge of pointing and presenting a firearm, with bond set at $5,000.
Investigators continue to review the incident. The fish, meanwhile, has not been charged with any wrongdoing.
Some insiders have suggested Debiase may want to consider relocating to a non-coastal, inland state should he wish to continue a career in law enforcement.
Regardless, the case serves as a reminder that while microwaved seafood may test the limits of workplace harmony, it does not currently meet the legal definition of probable cause in South Carolina.
Justice may be blind, but apparently it can smell fish from across the room.
Based on an article published by abcnews.com
