New Jersey police officer off-duty arrested for assault and burglary charges.
A police officer from New Jersey is currently under legal scrutiny following an alleged domestic disturbance incident that occurred over the weekend. Officer Rebecca Sayegh, 32, of the Toms River Police Department, was taken into custody on Friday after reportedly breaking a glass door to gain entry into a residence in Berkeley, where she is accused of assaulting and threatening two individuals inside.
According to Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer, law enforcement officials discovered additional property damage in the vicinity, including a vehicle parked in the driveway of the residence. The Berkeley police responded to the disturbance call at approximately 11:20 p.m. and encountered resistance while attempting to detain Sayegh. She was subsequently arrested after efforts to facilitate a peaceful apprehension were unsuccessful.
Initially released with a summons, Sayegh’s situation escalated as authorities re-filed a warrant for her arrest due to the serious nature of the charges against her. She now faces multiple serious allegations, including home invasion burglary, two counts of assault, two counts of criminal mischief, making terroristic threats, and resisting arrest. Currently, Sayegh remains incarcerated at Ocean County Jail, where she is awaiting a detention hearing.
Details surrounding the incident have been sparse, with law enforcement yet to release further information. This incident adds a significant chapter to Sayegh’s professional history within the Toms River Police Department, where she has served since 2016. Adding to the complexity of her situation, Sayegh was reportedly involved in legal action against Toms River Township and several past officials from her department in November 2024. The lawsuit, which alleged sexual harassment, retaliation, and job discrimination, was dismissed earlier this month due to the expiration of the two-year statute of limitations under state discrimination law.
As the investigation continues, this incident highlights ongoing concerns regarding the conduct of law enforcement personnel and the policies in place to ensure accountability within police departments. The Toms River community, along with local law enforcement and legal authorities, will undoubtedly be watching closely as this case develops in the coming weeks.
