Galloway Township, NJ – A New Jersey mother of three may be permanently blinded after being shot in the face during a road rage incident near Stockton University, prompting a campus-wide lockdown and multiple criminal charges against the alleged shooter.
Incident Details
According to the Galloway Township Police Department, 46-year-old Ernest Heinz was taken into custody hours after allegedly shooting Maritza Arias-Galva on September 11. Arias-Galva, who suffered a gunshot wound to the face, remained conscious and was able to identify Heinz, who reportedly cut her off while driving and then threatened her life before firing.
“I’m going to kill you today. Today, I’m gonna take care of you,” Heinz allegedly told Arias-Galva, according to her son, Victor Feliz-Alvarez, before shooting through the car window.
How the Shooting Occurred
Police say Arias-Galva was merging into traffic when Heinz raced ahead and cut her off. At a red light, their vehicles were side-by-side. Heinz allegedly yelled threats and aimed a gun at her. Although Arias-Galva rolled up her window, Heinz fired, shattering the glass and striking her face, causing severe injury to her eye.
The incident occurred near Stockton University, where the police search for Heinz triggered a campus lockdown lasting several hours.
Arrest and Charges
Heinz was later arrested at his home the same day. He faces multiple charges including:
- Attempted homicide
- Aggravated assault with a firearm
- Aggravated assault
- Possession of a weapon
- Possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose
He is currently held at the Atlantic County Justice Facility without bail, with a pretrial detention hearing scheduled for Tuesday.
Suspect Background
Heinz works as an actor, with small roles in TV shows and movies including “The Sopranos,” “Resident Evil,” and “The Prestige.” Authorities are continuing investigations into the motive and circumstances surrounding the attack.
Family Reaction
Arias-Galva’s son, Victor Feliz-Alvarez, expressed a desire for justice:
“Lock him up and don’t let him out,” he told, emphasizing the family’s concern for public safety and accountability.
Safety Reminder and Community Impact
Authorities remind drivers to remain alert and report aggressive driving or threats immediately. The road rage incident near a busy college campus highlights the risks of violent confrontations on the road.
What do you think of this shocking road rage incident? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
