New Jersey police officer Rebecca Sayegh, once honored for her bravery in saving a woman from a burning home, now sits in a jail cell facing serious charges after allegedly breaking into a home and assaulting her ex-boyfriend and another woman.
Key Insights
- Officer Rebecca Sayegh, 32, was arrested after allegedly smashing into a home with a baton and assaulting two people, including her former boyfriend.
- The decorated Toms River Police officer previously filed a sexual harassment lawsuit against her department, claiming a “boys club” atmosphere.
- Sayegh faces multiple charges including home invasion burglary, assault, terroristic threats, and resisting arrest.
- Despite her previous recognition for heroism, Sayegh is now suspended with pay and being held without bail pending a court appearance.
From Hero to Suspect: Officer’s Shocking Arrest
Rebecca Sayegh, a 32-year-old officer with the Toms River Police Department in New Jersey, was arrested following an alleged violent home invasion in Berkeley Township. The incident occurred just before 11:30 p.m. on a Friday night when Sayegh reportedly used a baton to smash the front glass door of a residence. According to prosecutors, after forcing her way into the home, Sayegh engaged in a physical altercation with two occupants—her former boyfriend and another woman—causing injuries and property damage.
The situation escalated further when Sayegh allegedly threatened to burn down the house. When Berkeley Township police arrived at the scene, Sayegh reportedly resisted arrest, forcing officers to physically restrain their law enforcement colleague. One victim suffered swelling to the eye during the altercation, while Sayegh also allegedly damaged the hood of one of the victim’s cars and caused additional property damage inside the residence.
“Sayegh was taken into custody at the scene — after having resisted efforts to peacefully place her under arrest.” – Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office
Legal Troubles Mount for Decorated Officer
The Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office charged Sayegh with multiple serious offenses, including home invasion burglary, assault, criminal mischief, terroristic threats, and resisting arrest. The incident was characterized as a “domestic disturbance” by Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer. Following her arrest, Sayegh was transported to Ocean County Jail, where she remains held without bail pending a detention hearing. The Toms River Police Department has suspended Sayegh with pay while the legal process unfolds.
“Officer Sayegh understands the significance of the charges filed against her. She has been a member of the Toms River Police Department and proudly served her community for almost nine years. She is taking all of the appropriate steps to properly address the matter at hand and will remain cooperative throughout the pending legal proceedings.” – Terrance Turnbach
When contacted about the incident, Toms River police declined to comment directly on the matter. Lieutenant Ron Sermarini stated, “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.” This response highlights the seriousness of the situation and the department’s decision to distance itself from the allegations pending the legal outcome.
A History of Heroism and Controversy
Ironically, Sayegh was previously celebrated for her bravery in a life-saving incident. The Toms River Police Department had publicly commended her for rescuing a woman and her pets from a burning home, demonstrating the stark contrast between her past heroic actions and current allegations. The department had formally recognized her “swift action, bravery, and lifesaving actions” during that rescue operation.
“Officer Sayegh went to the front door and made entry, locating Ms. Nicolo and her pets. Officer Sayegh was able to escort Ms. Nicolo and her pets across the street to safety. Officer Sayegh is commended for her swift action, bravery, and lifesaving actions.” – Toms River Police Department
Adding another layer of complexity to the case, Sayegh currently has a pending lawsuit against the Toms River Police Department, alleging sexual harassment and discrimination. In her lawsuit, she claims the department maintains a “boys club” culture that fostered a hostile work environment. However, some of her claims were dismissed due to the statute of limitations, and defense attorneys have characterized the lawsuit as frivolous and without legal basis.
Sources:
- Off-duty female NJ cop arrested for allegedly assaulting 2 in violent home invasion
- From bravery to burglary: How a decorated cop ended up in handcuffs after allegedly going on violent home invasion
