Off-Duty New Jersey Cop Accused of Violent Home Invasion, Assault on Two Victims
A New Jersey police officer is behind bars after a shocking series of events Friday night that authorities say ended in a violent home invasion and assault on two people.
The suspect is a decorated female officer who, just months ago, was in the headlines for accusing her department of rampant misconduct.
Toms River Police Officer Rebecca A. Sayegh, 32, was off duty when she allegedly shattered the front glass door of a residence in Berkeley Township and forced her way inside.
Once inside, she reportedly attacked and threatened the two people living there, according to the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office.
Prior to the break-in, Sayegh allegedly damaged the hood of one of the victims’ vehicles parked in the driveway, further escalating the encounter.
It remains unclear what prompted the outburst or whether the officer had a prior relationship with the victims.
The incident, which occurred around 11:30 p.m., was described by Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer as a “domestic disturbance,” though further details have not been released.
Responding officers say Sayegh initially resisted arrest before being taken into custody at the scene.
She now faces multiple charges, including home invasion burglary, simple assault, criminal mischief, terroristic threats and resisting arrest.
Sayegh is being held at the Ocean County Jail pending a detention hearing.
The Toms River Police Department declined to address the charges directly.
“As per our chief of police, we do not have a comment on the matter and refer all inquiries to the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office,” Lt. Ron Sermarini told reporters, per the New York Post.
Sayegh’s arrest marks a stunning fall from grace for the officer, who was recently honored for an act of heroism — rescuing a woman and her pets from a burning home.
Adding to the intrigue, Sayegh is already locked in a legal battle with her department.
Roughly six months ago, she filed a lawsuit accusing the Toms River Police Department of fostering a “boys club” culture.
The suit alleged she was subjected to repeated sexual harassment and passed over for career advancement due to her gender.
In that complaint, Sayegh claimed high-ranking officials ignored her concerns and retaliated against her for speaking out.
The case drew regional attention and raised questions about internal accountability within the department. The status of the lawsuit remains pending and the department has not made any public comment regarding the allegations.
Now, as she sits in jail facing serious charges, the legal and professional future of Officer Sayegh remains uncertain.
What began as a high-profile civil suit against alleged discrimination has quickly spiraled into a criminal matter with potential long-term consequences, The Post notes.
Public trust in law enforcement continues to be tested, and this case is likely to raise further questions about conduct, oversight and whether troubled officers are adequately screened or supported before incidents like this occur.
For now, the investigation is ongoing and more details are expected to emerge in the coming days as authorities prepare for a detention hearing and possible indictment.
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