New Jersey Actor Arrested After Shooting Woman in the Face During Road Rage Incident
A New Jersey woman is recovering after being shot in the face in what authorities are calling an isolated road rage incident, resulting in the arrest of a local actor.
On Thursday, Sept. 11, Ernest W. Heinz, 46, was taken into custody by the Galloway Township Police Department. He faces multiple charges, including criminal attempt homicide, aggravated assault with a firearm, aggravated assault, and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, in connection with the shooting of Maritza Arias-Galva.
According to police, Arias-Galva called 911 after being shot while driving near Stockton University. “The victim, Maritza Arias-Galva, called 911 to report she had been shot in the face by a male subject in another vehicle, who then fled north onto Vera King Ferris Drive,” the department said in a statement. “It was later determined that the shooting stemmed from an isolated road-rage incident.”
Arias-Galva described her attacker as a white male with blonde hair in a ponytail, driving a white Honda SUV. She was transported to Atlanticare Regional Medical Center, City Division, where she received treatment and is now in stable condition.
Authorities launched a search based on the victim’s description and apprehended Heinz at a residence in the Blue Heron Pines Development in Galloway Township. He was booked at the Atlantic County Justice Facility.
“The prompt and professional actions of our officers resulted in a quick apprehension of Mr. Heinz,” Galloway Township Police Chief Eric B. Hendrickson said. “We wish Ms. Arias-Galva a swift recovery and are here to support our community following this senseless incident.” He also thanked local law enforcement agencies, including Stockton University Police, the Atlantic County Sheriff’s Office, and the New Jersey State Police, for their assistance.
ABC affiliate WPVI reported that the shooting occurred around 12:50 p.m., citing court documents. Capt. Mark D’Esposito said the suspect fired a single shot and that Arias-Galva was able to remain conscious and speak with officers.
In an interview with The Philadelphia Inquirer on Saturday, Sept. 13, Arias-Galva reflected on the moment she realized her life was in danger. “I know that kind of person, because I work in customer service. I just said, ‘Thank you, sir,’ and he said he was taking my life today,” she said. Thinking of her children, she continued, “I was thinking, I need to survive this. I’m the only family they have in New Jersey.”
Heinz, whose acting credits date through 2014, is listed on IMDb with roles in two Resident Evil video games and the 2011 film J. Edgar.
