An off-duty New Jersey police officer once celebrated for heroism now sits behind bars after allegedly smashing her way into a home and attacking two people inside.
At a Glance
- Rebecca Sayegh, 32, a Toms River police officer, has been arrested for allegedly breaking into a home and assaulting two victims inside on April 25, 2025
- Sayegh faces multiple charges including home invasion, burglary, assault, terroristic threats, criminal mischief, and resisting arrest
- Initially issued a summons, she was later taken into custody on April 28 due to the “serious nature of the charges”
- The officer had previously sued her department for alleged sexual harassment, claiming a “boys club” culture
- Sayegh is currently being held at Ocean County Jail awaiting a detention hearing
From Hero to Home Invader
Rebecca Sayegh, a 32-year-old Toms River police officer, has been charged with multiple offenses following what authorities describe as a violent home invasion. According to the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, Sayegh allegedly smashed through the front door of a residence on Evernhan Avenue in Berkeley Township on April 25. Once inside, she reportedly threatened and physically assaulted two occupants. The off-duty officer also allegedly damaged a vehicle belonging to one of the victims during the incident.
Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer detailed the severity of the charges, which include home invasion burglary, multiple counts of assault, criminal mischief, terroristic threats, and resisting arrest. After the initial incident, authorities initially issued Sayegh a summons. However, the situation escalated when officials later determined the charges warranted taking her into custody with a warrant.
Attempts to Resist Arrest
When authorities moved to apprehend Sayegh on April 28, three days after the alleged home invasion, she reportedly resisted efforts “to peacefully place her under arrest,” according to Prosecutor Billhimer. The prosecutor cited “the serious nature of the charges” as the reason for upgrading from a summons to a warrant for her arrest. Sayegh is currently being held at Ocean County Jail while awaiting a detention hearing to determine if she will remain incarcerated until trial.
“Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on April 28, 2025, Rebecca Sayegh, 32, of Toms River, was charged with Home Invasion Burglary, two counts of Assault, two counts of Criminal Mischief, Terroristic Threats, and Resisting Arrest, all in connection with a series of events that occurred in Berkeley Township on April 25, 2025.” sources report.
The Toms River Police Department has declined to comment on the matter. Department spokesperson Lt. 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.” The Berkeley Township Police Department received commendation from Prosecutor Billhimer for their investigative efforts in the case.
Officer’s Troubled History
Sayegh’s arrest comes after a contentious history with her department. She previously filed a lawsuit against the Toms River Police Department alleging sexual harassment and claiming a “boys club” culture prevented her advancement. In the lawsuit, she described a toxic and misogynistic work environment and specifically alleged that former Captain Shaun O’Keefe had followed her into a bathroom and made inappropriate advances during a police event.
The lawsuit was ultimately dismissed due to statute of limitations issues. O’Keefe denied the allegations, and the claims against him were similarly dismissed. Sayegh has been employed with the Toms River Police Department since 2016. Prior to these recent charges, she had been recognized for bravery after rescuing a woman and her pets from a burning home, showing a stark contrast to her current legal troubles.
Legal Process Continues
The Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office emphasized that all charges against Sayegh are merely accusations at this stage, and she is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The case highlights the complex issues that can arise when law enforcement officers face serious criminal allegations. The detention hearing will determine the next steps in the legal process as authorities continue their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the alleged home invasion and assault.
