Ernest Wesley Heinz, a 46-year-old actor who once appeared in The Sopranos, has been arrested following a violent road rage incident in Galloway Township, New Jersey. The confrontation left a woman shot in the face and temporarily shut down the nearby Stockton University campus.
The Shooting
The altercation unfolded just before 1 p.m. when Heinz and another driver, identified as Maritza Arias-Galva, became involved in a traffic dispute. Arias-Galva reported that Heinz cut her off as she attempted to merge lanes. When both vehicles stopped at a red light, Heinz allegedly shouted threats, pulled out a revolver, and fired a single round into her car.
The bullet struck Arias-Galva in the upper nose area. Despite her injuries, she remained conscious, spoke with responding officers, and was transported to the hospital. Her condition was described as serious but not life-threatening.
Criminal Charges
Authorities charged Heinz with:
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Attempted homicide
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Aggravated assault with a firearm
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Aggravated assault
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Unlawful possession of a weapon
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Possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose
He is currently being held at the Atlantic County Justice Facility and is expected to appear in court for a detention hearing.
Campus Lockdown
After the shooting, Heinz fled north onto Vera King Ferris Drive, which passes directly through Stockton University. As a precaution, the school ordered a three-hour shelter-in-place lockdown, with students and staff told to remain indoors while police searched the grounds.
Arias-Galva’s description of the suspect — a white male with blond hair tied in a ponytail, driving a white Honda SUV — proved crucial in locating Heinz. He was later apprehended at a home in the Blue Heron Pines neighborhood.
Ongoing Investigation
Police have carried out search warrants at multiple residences and vehicles connected to Heinz as the investigation continues. Details about the firearm used and his possible motives have not yet been released.
From Screen to Scandal
Although his acting career included only brief roles, Heinz’s credit on The Sopranos gave him a small connection to one of television’s most iconic dramas. Now, instead of headlines about entertainment, he finds himself at the center of a criminal case that highlights the alarming consequences of road rage turning violent.
