On a recent Friday night, Toms River police officer Rebecca Sayegh allegedly committed a violent home invasion at the residence of her ex-boyfriend in Berkeley, New Jersey, as detailed in court documents released by NJ.com. The incident unfolded around 11:20 p.m. when Sayegh, 32, reportedly used her police baton to violently breach the front door of the house. Upon entering, she confronted her ex-boyfriend and another woman present, leading to a heated argument. Court affidavits suggest that Sayegh quickly escalated the situation, resorting to physical aggression against both individuals in the living room.
As the confrontation intensified, both victims attempted to restrain Sayegh to prevent further escalation. However, Sayegh managed to break free from their hold and allegedly began destroying property within the home, including items and framed pictures, indicating a reckless disregard for the occupants’ space. The disruptive scene was heightened by Sayegh’s physical altercations with responding police officers who arrived at the scene, illustrating a dramatic breakdown in her ability to maintain control.
After the initial chaos, Sayegh allegedly exited the residence but not without issuing threats, explicitly stating her intent to burn down the house, according to the court documents. This intimidation tactic, coupled with her earlier alleged vandalism of a car owned by one of the victims, underscored a pattern of aggressive behavior that seemed planned and malicious. The severity of her actions resulted in multiple charges, which included home invasion burglary, two counts of assault, two counts of criminal mischief, terroristic threats, and resisting arrest.
Sayegh’s legal troubles are compounded by her professional background as a police officer, having served the Toms River community for nearly nine years. Her attorney, Terrance Turnbach, emphasized the seriousness of the charges and her commitment to facing the legal implications of her actions. Sayegh’s attorney stated that she is taking the matter seriously and plans to cooperate with ongoing legal proceedings, aiming to address the situation appropriately.
Notably, this incident unfolded just six months after Sayegh filed a lawsuit against the Toms River Police Department, alleging sexual harassment, indicating possible underlying issues within her professional life that may have contributed to her recent outburst. The Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office confirmed that Sayegh has been suspended without pay, reflecting the department’s stance on maintaining public trust and integrity, especially following such serious allegations against an active officer.
The entire incident raises important discussions about police conduct, mental health, and accountability. It serves as a reminder that law enforcement officers are not exempt from scrutiny and must be held accountable for their actions, especially when they resort to violence and intimidation. As legal proceedings unfold, the case will likely provoke debate about the intersection of personal issues and professional responsibilities within law enforcement.
