From bravery to burglary: How a decorated cop ended up in handcuffs after allegedly going on violent home invasion

An off-duty New Jersey cop was arrested after she allegedly broke into a residence and assaulted two victims, according to police.

Rebecca Sayegh — a 32-year-old officer with the Toms River Police Department — was arrested and charged with two counts each of assault, two counts of criminal mischief, one count of terroristic threats, one count of home invasion burglary, and one count of resisting arrest, according to jail records.

'Sayegh previously was commended and presented an award for her "bravery" as part of rescuing a woman and her pets from a January 2021 Toms River house fire.'

Sayegh used a baton to smash the front door glass of a home in the Bayville neighborhood around 11:20 p.m. Friday, according to the criminal complaint.

Citing court documents, NJ.com reported that Sayegh began arguing with her former boyfriend and a woman at the house.

The verbal altercation quickly escalated into a physical confrontation when Sayegh allegedly began pushing and shoving the man and woman.

One of the alleged victims suffered swelling to the eye, the complaint stated.

The man and woman reportedly restrained Sayegh in the living room before she “broke free” and smashed items in the house and knocked pictures off the wall, according to the affidavit of probable cause.

Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer said Sayegh scratched one of the alleged victim's vehicles on the hood.

Once police responded to the crime scene, Sayegh allegedly attempted to fight with officers and needed to be physically restrained.

The complaint noted that Sayegh made a threat to burn down the house as cops escorted her down the property's driveway.

The Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office stated: "Sayegh was taken into custody at the scene — after having resisted efforts to peacefully place her under arrest."

"Prosecutor Billhimer commends the Berkeley Township Police Department for their efforts in connection with this investigation," the prosecutor's office noted.

Sayegh reportedly was suspended with pay.

Sayegh's attorney, Terrance Turnbach, told NJ.com: "Officer Sayegh understands the significance of the charges filed against her. She has been a member of the Toms River Police Department and proudly served her community for almost nine years. She is taking all of the appropriate steps to properly address the matter at hand and will remain cooperative throughout the pending legal proceedings."

Sayegh is being detained without bail at the Ocean County Jail ahead of her court appearance scheduled for Friday morning to determine if she will be granted bail.

Complicating issues, Sayegh has a lawsuit pending against the Toms River Police Department that was launched last year.

In November 2024, Sayegh filed a lawsuit against the township, former Police Chief Mitch Little, former Capt. Shaun O'Keefe, former Deputy Chief Patrick Dellane, and Sgt. Matthew Broderick.

The lawyers for the defendants have called the lawsuit 'frivolous and without legal basis' and 'baseless and/or meritless.'

According to the Asbury Park Press, Sayegh claims there was a "boys club" culture in the department that led to her "being sexually harassed, passed over for promotions, and written up for supposed offenses that were ignored when committed by male officers."

Sayegh, who joined the department in 2017, claims O'Keefe "shamelessly" pursued a sexual relationship with her. She alleges that during a Toms River Police Foundation event at the Bey Lea Golf Course in June 2022, O'Keefe purportedly followed her into the women's restroom, took out his penis, and told her to perform oral sex on him.

O'Keefe retired from the department in 2021.

In April 2025, Superior Court Judge Robert E. Brenner dismissed the claims against O'Keefe without prejudice because the lawsuit was filed after the two-year statute of limitations had passed.

The lawyers for the defendants have called the lawsuit "frivolous and without legal basis" and "baseless and/or meritless."

Sayegh previously was commended and presented an award for her "bravery" as part of rescuing a woman and her pets from a January 2021 Toms River house fire.

"Officer Sayegh went to the front door and made entry, locating Ms. Nicolo and her pets. Officer Sayegh was able to escort Ms. Nicolo and her pets across the street to safety. Officer Sayegh is commended for her swift action, bravery, and lifesaving actions," the department stated.

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