A New Jersey police officer once hailed for heroism now faces serious charges after allegedly breaking into a home and assaulting two people while off duty.
At a Glance
- Toms River Officer Rebecca Sayegh charged with multiple felonies
- Incident involved forced entry, assault, and property damage
- Sayegh previously honored for rescuing woman from fire
- Prior lawsuit alleging workplace harassment recently dismissed
Allegations and Arrest
Rebecca Sayegh, 32, an off-duty officer with the Toms River Police Department, was arrested on April 28, 2025, following a violent incident in Berkeley Township. According to the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, Sayegh allegedly smashed the front glass door of a residence on Evernhan Avenue around 11:20 p.m. on April 25, entered the home, and assaulted two individuals inside. She also reportedly damaged a vehicle parked in the driveway.
Initially issued a summons, Sayegh was later re-arrested and charged with home invasion burglary, two counts of assault, two counts of criminal mischief, terroristic threats, and resisting arrest. She is currently held at the Ocean County Jail pending a detention hearing, as reported by Fox News and Fox29 Philadelphia.
Watch News 12 New Jersey’s report on the incident at Authorities: Off-duty Toms River officer breaks into home, assaults 2 people inside.
From Decorated Hero to Defendant
Sayegh’s current legal troubles starkly contrast with her previous commendations. In 2021, she received a Class B award for bravery after rescuing a woman and her pets from a burning home in Toms River, a story highlighted in local reports.
However, her professional journey has not been without controversy. In October 2024, Sayegh filed a lawsuit against the Toms River Police Department, alleging sexual harassment and gender discrimination. She claimed that a retired police captain sexually assaulted her during a department event and that the department failed to take appropriate action. As reported by the Daily Mail and Yahoo News, the sexual assault claim was dismissed in April 2025, but the discrimination allegations remain under review.
Department Response and Ongoing Investigation
The Toms River Police Department has declined to comment on the incident, referring all inquiries to the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office. “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,” said Lt. Ron Sermarini in a statement to AOL News.
Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer emphasized the seriousness of the charges, noting that Sayegh was re-arrested due to “the serious nature of the charges,” underscoring the case’s importance in the broader conversation around police accountability.
As the investigation continues, this case highlights the delicate balance between personal conduct and public trust in law enforcement officers.
