A ‘The Sopranos’ actor was arrested in New Jersey after a road rage shooting that prompted a university lockdown. The incident occurred on September 12, 2025, at Stockton University, leading to a three-hour shelter-in-place order.
- Actor Ernest Heinz involved in NJ road rage shooting
- Woman injured in face, non-life-threatening injuries
- Police issued shelter-in-place at Stockton University
- Heinz arrested at home after search warrants executed
- Heinz has minor acting and producing credits
- Suspect described as white male with blonde ponytail
Police arrested 46-year-old Ernest Wesley Heinz in Port Republic after he allegedly fired a gun at a woman, hitting her in the nose. The shooting happened around 12:52 p.m. on W. Jimmie Leeds Road near Redwood Avenue. Heinz fled the scene, driving through Stockton University campus, which led to a lockdown. Authorities identified him through witness descriptions and later found him at a home in Blue Herron Pines. He is charged with attempted homicide, assault with a firearm, and weapon possession. The woman, Maritza Arias-Galva, remains conscious and is recovering from non-life-threatening injuries. Heinz has minor acting credits, including an uncredited role in 2006’s “The Sopranos,” and was involved in a 2007 short film as a producer.
- Heinz fired a shot during a road rage altercation, hitting a woman in the face.
- He fled the scene, prompting a police search and campus lockdown.
- He is held at Atlantic County Justice Facility, scheduled for court next week.
- Witnesses described the suspect as a white man with blonde hair in a ponytail, driving a white Honda SUV.
The case highlights the dangers of road rage and the importance of swift law enforcement response. Authorities continue to investigate, and Heinz faces serious charges that could lead to significant legal consequences.
Next steps include Heinz’s court appearance and ongoing investigation into the incident’s circumstances.
