TOMS RIVER, NJ — A 32-year-old police officer in Ocean County has been arrested and ordered held in jail after she allegedly smashed her way into her ex-boyfriend’s home, assaulted him and a woman inside, and threatened to burn down the residence, authorities confirmed Tuesday.
Rebecca Sayegh, a nine-year veteran of the Toms River Police Department, faces a string of serious charges including first-degree home invasion burglary, terroristic threats, resisting arrest, two counts of assault, and two counts of criminal mischief. According to the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, the incident occurred on April 25, 2025, at approximately 11:20 p.m. in Berkeley Township, about 65 miles south of Newark.
Responding officers with the Berkeley Township Police Department arrived at the Evernhan Avenue home following a 911 call reporting a domestic disturbance. There, they found Sayegh off duty and at the scene, having allegedly shattered the front glass door to enter the residence. Prosecutors say she physically attacked two individuals inside — later identified as her ex-boyfriend and a woman who was with him at the time.
Key Points
- Officer Rebecca Sayegh allegedly broke into her ex-boyfriend’s home and assaulted two people.
- The victims say Sayegh punched them and caused extensive damage to property inside and outside the house.
- Sayegh allegedly threatened to burn the house down and resisted arrest by responding officers.
In addition to the physical assaults, authorities say Sayegh smashed multiple items inside the home and damaged the hood of a vehicle belonging to one of the victims that was parked in the driveway. As police attempted to arrest her, Sayegh allegedly resisted efforts to take her into custody peacefully. She was initially charged by summons but later recharged by warrant on April 28 due to the “serious nature” of the incident.
Sayegh was subsequently arrested at her own residence and transported to the Ocean County Jail. Prosecutors are now seeking to have her held without bond until the case is resolved.
According to New Jersey Advance Media, Sayegh’s ex-boyfriend was home with another woman at the time of the alleged break-in. Reports state Sayegh struck both victims and made verbal threats, including a statement that she intended to burn down the residence. These threats were allegedly made as she was being led away by police officers.
Court proceedings and defense response
Sayegh made her initial court appearance Tuesday before Brick Township Municipal Judge Joseph Grisanti. The judge informed her that the state is pursuing pretrial detention. A bond hearing is scheduled for Friday.
“Officer Sayegh understands the significance of the charges filed against her,” her criminal defense attorney, Terrance Turnbach, told the Asbury Park Press.
“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.”
The Toms River Police Department has not yet commented on the case or Sayegh’s employment status. No serious injuries were reported from the incident, and authorities have not indicated whether additional charges are under consideration.
