An off-duty police officer in New Jersey has been charged with multiple offenses after allegedly breaking into her ex-boyfriend’s home, assaulting two individuals, and threatening to burn the house down, according to court documents.
Rebecca Sayegh, a 32-year-old officer with the Toms River Police Department, is accused of using her baton to break through the front door of a residence in Berkeley Township around 11:20 p.m. on Friday. Inside the home were her former partner and another woman, whom she allegedly confronted before a physical altercation ensued.
According to an affidavit of probable cause, Sayegh pushed and shoved both individuals. When they attempted to restrain her in the living room, she reportedly broke free and began smashing household items and wall-mounted pictures.
Authorities say she also resisted arrest and got into a scuffle with responding officers. While leaving the scene, Sayegh allegedly threatened to burn the house down. Prior to the break-in, she is also accused of damaging the hood of one of the victim’s vehicles.
She now faces several charges, including home invasion burglary, two counts of assault, two counts of criminal mischief, terroristic threats, and resisting arrest.
Her attorney, Terrance Turnbach, stated that Sayegh is taking the charges seriously and is cooperating with the ongoing legal process. “She has been a member of the Toms River Police Department and proudly served her community for almost nine years,” he said.
Sayegh has been suspended without pay, according to the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office. The officer previously filed a lawsuit against her department alleging sexual harassment six months before the incident occurred.
