A decorated police officer who once heroically saved a woman from a burning home now sits in jail after allegedly smashing her way into a residence, violently assaulting the occupants, and destroying property in a shocking betrayal of her oath to protect and serve.
Key Takeaways
- Rebecca Sayegh, 32, a Toms River police officer, faces serious charges including home invasion, burglary, assault, and terroristic threats after allegedly breaking into a home and attacking two people inside.
- The off-duty officer reportedly smashed the front door of a residence on April 25, assaulted and threatened the occupants, and damaged a vehicle belonging to one of the victims.
- Sayegh had previously sued her department alleging a “boys club” culture and harassment, though her lawsuit was dismissed due to statute of limitations.
- Initially released on a summons, Sayegh was re-arrested on April 28 “due to the serious nature of the charges” and now awaits a detention hearing in Ocean County Jail.
- The officer was previously honored for bravery after rescuing a woman and her pets from a burning home, highlighting the stark contrast of her current circumstances.
Violent Home Invasion Shocks Community
Rebecca Sayegh, a 32-year-old Toms River police officer, now faces multiple serious charges after allegedly committing a violent home invasion while off-duty. According to Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer, the incident occurred on April 25, 2025, when Sayegh allegedly smashed the front door of a residence on Evernhan Avenue in Berkeley Township, New Jersey. After forcibly entering the home, Sayegh reportedly assaulted and threatened two people inside the residence and damaged a vehicle belonging to one of the victims.
Initially, authorities issued Sayegh a summons for the incident. However, due to the gravity of the alleged crimes, prosecutors decided more serious action was necessary. “Due to the serious nature of the charges,” Billhimer explained, authorities executed an arrest warrant on April 28, taking Sayegh into custody. When officers attempted “to peacefully place her under arrest,” according to Billhimer, Sayegh allegedly resisted, adding another charge to her growing list of offenses.
"OFF-DUTY TOMS RIVER POLICE OFFICER CHARGED WITH HOME INVASION BURGLARY, ASSAULT, CRIMINAL MISCHIEF, TERRORISTIC THREATS, AND RESISTING ARREST
Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on April 28, 2025, Rebecca Sayegh, 32, of Toms River, was charged with Home… pic.twitter.com/tKqJsUX6gQ
— Wake Up NJ 🇺🇸 New Jersey (@wakeupnj) April 29, 2025
From Hero to Defendant
The allegations against Sayegh present a stark contrast to her previous public image. Before this incident, Sayegh had been recognized for her bravery after rescuing a woman and her pets from a burning home. This heroic act earned her commendations and represented what many would consider exemplary police service. Her current situation now stands in sharp opposition to that earlier achievement, leaving many in the community shocked by the dramatic fall from grace.
“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.” – Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer
Sayegh has been with the Toms River Police Department since 2016. The department has largely remained silent on the matter. When contacted, Toms River police 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.” This standard response is typical for ongoing investigations, particularly when they involve department personnel.
Prior Workplace Complaints
Adding another layer to this complex situation, Sayegh had previously filed a lawsuit against the Toms River Police Department alleging workplace harassment and discrimination. In her legal complaint, she described the department as having a “boys club” culture that she claimed led to her being passed over for promotions. The lawsuit specifically alleged a toxic and misogynistic environment within the department, including claims that a former captain had followed her into a bathroom and made inappropriate advances at a police event.
These prior allegations from Sayegh’s lawsuit were ultimately dismissed due to statute of limitations issues, and the accused officer denied all allegations against him. The timing of this violent incident following her unsuccessful lawsuit raises questions about potential underlying factors, though authorities have not indicated any connection between the two situations. Sayegh is currently being held at the Ocean County Jail while awaiting her detention hearing.
As with all criminal cases, it’s important to note that Sayegh is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The Berkeley Township Police Department has been commended by prosecutors for their investigation efforts in this case, which continues to develop as the legal process unfolds. The stark contrast between Sayegh’s past heroism and current allegations serves as a sobering reminder about the complexities of human behavior and the high standards the public expects from those sworn to protect and serve.
