In a bizarre and alarming incident that has drawn widespread attention, a South Carolina detective was arrested and fired after allegedly pulling his service weapon on a fellow officer — all because of the smell of microwaved fish.

Michael Debiase, 46, a detective with the Myrtle Beach Police Department, faces a felony charge of pointing and presenting a firearm at a person following the June 2 incident at the police station.

According to an arrest warrant and department statements, Debiase confronted a patrol officer who was warming up fish in the station’s microwave, which created a strong odor in the briefing room. Things escalated quickly when Debiase reportedly removed his department-issued handgun from its holster and pointed it at the other officer.

The Myrtle Beach Police Department immediately placed Debiase on administrative leave, launched an internal investigation, and later announced his termination.

“This incident does not reflect the values demonstrated by the men and women of the Myrtle Beach Police Department every day,” the department said in a statement. “However, it does demonstrate our commitment to accountability.”

The felony charge carries a possible penalty of up to five years in prison. Debiase was booked into the J. Reuben Long Detention Center on Tuesday morning and was later released. His next court appearance is scheduled for August 14.

The unusual case has sparked a mix of shock and dark humor online, with many pointing out the universal office annoyance of strong food smells — though nearly all agree that pulling a gun is never an acceptable response.

This story serves as a wild example of how even minor workplace disputes can spiral out of control when emotions — and firearms — are involved.