Off-Duty Toms River Police Officer Smashed Glass Door, Assaulted Pair In Home: Prosecutor

BERKELEY, NJ — A Toms River police officer is accused of assaulting two people and threatening them after breaking into a Berkeley Township home on Friday night, the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office said Monday.

Rebecca A. Sayegh, 32, has been charged with home invasion burglary, two counts of assault, two counts of criminal mischief, terroristic threats and resisting arrest in connection with what authorities say was a domestic incident.

Sayegh was off-duty at the time of the incident that was reported about 11:20 p.m. Friday, Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer said.

Authorities say she went to a home on Evernhan Avenue and smashed the front glass door and went in, then assaulted and threatened two victims inside the home. She also damaged the hood of a vehicle belonging to one of the victims that was parked in the driveway, authorities said.

Sayegh was arrested at the scene — after having resisted efforts to peacefully place her under arrest, Billhimer said.

She was originally served with the charges via summons pending an upcoming first appearance in Ocean County Superior Court but because of the serious nature of the charges, was re-charged by way of a warrant on Monday, he said.

Sayegh was arrested at her home by Berkeley Township police and is being held at the Ocean County Jail pending a detention hearing.

Toms River Police Chief Peter Sundack did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Sayegh has worked for the Toms River Police Department since 2016.