A New Jersey police officer who wasn’t on duty was charged and jailed after she reportedly broke into a house and abused two people last week.
The Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office said that 32-year-old Rebecca Sayegh was charged with home invasion murder and two counts of assault. She was also charged with terroristic threats, criminal mischief, and fighting arrest.
Charges were brought after a “domestic disturbance” on April 25 in Berkeley Township. Around 11:20 p.m., police were called to the scene.
“Responding Officers discovered that an individual, later identified as Sayegh – an off-duty Toms River Township Police Officer – had smashed the front glass door of the residence, entered the residence, and then assaulted and threatened two victims inside the residence,” the prosecutor said.
The 32-year-old also damaged the hood of one of the victims’ cars, which was parked in the garage at the time.
“Sayegh was taken into custody at the scene – after having resisted efforts to peacefully place her under arrest,” the report said.
“She was originally served with the charges via summons pending an upcoming first appearance in Ocean County Superior Court,” the prosecutor’s team said. “Due to the serious nature of the charges, however, Sayegh was re-charged by way of a warrant on April 28, 2025.”
Sayegh was then taken to the Ocean County Jail, where she is being held until her detention hearing.
The office of the prosecutor ended by saying, “Prosecutor Billhimer commends the Berkeley Township Police Department for their efforts in connection with this investigation.”
If you ask the Toms River Police Department, Sayegh got a Class B award in 2021 for her bravery during a house fire.
Based on Officer Sayegh’s first arrival, the home owner was not seen and was most likely still inside, according to a police report. “Officer Sayegh was able to cross the street with the victim and her pets to safety.” Officer Sayegh should be praised for acting quickly, being brave, and saving lives.