BERKELEY TOWNSHIP, NJ – A New Jersey police officer was arrested after an alleged violent break-in at her former partner’s residence, leading to multiple criminal charges. Rebecca Sayegh, a veteran of the Toms River Police Department, is facing serious allegations of first-degree home invasion, multiple counts of assault, and making terroristic threats, according to local law enforcement.
Authorities reported that officers responded late Friday night to a disturbance call at a residence on Evernham Avenue, located roughly 65 miles south of Newark. Upon arrival, police discovered that Sayegh, who was off-duty, reportedly smashed through the home’s front glass door and assaulted two people inside, including her ex-boyfriend.
In addition to the home invasion charges, Sayegh is accused of damaging a vehicle belonging to one of the victims. Despite resisting arrest, Sayegh was apprehended at the scene and initially faced charges via summons. However, due to the grave nature of the allegations, authorities later issued a warrant for her arrest, leading to her detainment and booking into Ocean County Jail.
The incident allegedly occurred when Sayegh’s ex-partner was in the company of another woman. Reports claim that during the altercation, Sayegh threatened to set fire to her ex-boyfriend’s house, further escalating the situation.
Sayegh appeared in court Tuesday before Judge Joseph Grisanti, where it was revealed that prosecutors are seeking to detain her without bond until the legal proceedings conclude. A hearing to decide on the bond request is scheduled for Friday.
Her attorney, Terrance Turnbach, acknowledged the severity of the charges and emphasized Sayegh’s commitment to addressing them responsibly. As a long-serving member of the police department, Sayegh intends to cooperate fully with the investigation, he added.
This arrest comes amidst an ongoing legal battle between Sayegh and her employer, the Toms River Police Department. Last year, she filed a lawsuit alleging discrimination, claiming she faced a hostile work environment characterized by gender-based harassment and retaliation.
In her lawsuit, Sayegh asserts that superior officers spread damaging rumors about her personal life and questioned her professional capabilities, actions she argues were rooted in gender bias. The lawsuit remains active, reflecting ongoing tensions between Sayegh and the department.
The charges against Sayegh present a complicated legal landscape entwined with her professional grievances, leaving her facing significant personal and professional challenges ahead.