Off-Duty Toms River Officer Arrested After Shocking Home Invasion and Assault in Berkeley Township

In a dramatic turn of events that has left the local community stunned, Rebecca Sayegh, a 32-year-old off-duty Toms River police officer, was arrested for allegedly breaking into a home on Evernhan Avenue in Berkeley Township and assaulting two people inside. This unexpected incident has sparked intense conversations about police conduct, trust, and accountability.

Breaking In: A Night of Chaos on Evernhan Avenue

It was just past 11 p.m. on Friday, April 25, when neighbors heard the sound of shattering glass and commotion at a quiet Berkeley Township residence. Police responded swiftly to reports of a domestic disturbance, only to discover that Sayegh had forcibly entered the home by smashing the front glass door. Inside, she allegedly assaulted two individuals and issued threats, escalating a frightening situation for those involved. To add to the chaos, she also reportedly damaged a vehicle parked outside, leaving a dented hood in her wake.

Arrest and Serious Charges: A Rapid Response

When officers arrived, Sayegh resisted arrest, but law enforcement’s quick action ensured she was taken into custody. Initially released on a summons, the severity of the charges-including home invasion burglary, two counts of assault, criminal mischief, terroristic threats, and resisting arrest-prompted prosecutors to issue a warrant for her re-arrest. She was apprehended again at her home and is now being held at Ocean County Jail, awaiting a detention hearing.

A Complex Background: Heroism and Controversy

Rebecca Sayegh’s story is far from one-dimensional. Since joining the Toms River Police Department in 2016, she has been recognized for acts of courage, including a 2021 rescue of a woman and her pets from a burning house. But her career has also been marked by controversy-she recently filed a lawsuit against her department alleging sexual harassment and discrimination, a case dismissed just weeks ago.

The Toms River Police Department has remained tight-lipped about her current status, leaving the community eager for clarity. Meanwhile, the Ocean County Prosecutor praised the Berkeley Township officers for their prompt and professional response, underscoring the seriousness with which this case is being handled.

What This Means for the Community

This incident has ignited a firestorm of discussion about the behavior of law enforcement officers off duty and the systems in place to hold them accountable. Residents are grappling with feelings of shock and betrayal, questioning how someone sworn to protect could allegedly commit such acts.

As the legal process unfolds, authorities remind the public that Sayegh is presumed innocent until proven guilty. Yet, the case highlights the urgent need for transparency and trust between police and the communities they serve.

The coming weeks will be critical as the investigation continues and the community watches closely-hoping for justice, answers, and a path forward from this troubling episode.