Who is Ernest Heinz? ‘The Sopranos’ Actor Arrested in New Jersey Road Rage Shooting

Ernest Wesley Heinz, known for his work in The Sopranos, has been arrested after a violent road rage shooting in New Jersey. Police said the 46-year-old actor fired a revolver at a woman during a traffic dispute, striking her in the face. The incident led to a lockdown at Stockton University and multiple felony charges.

Authorities confirmed the shooting happened on W. Jimmie Leeds Road in Galloway Township on Thursday afternoon. Heinz, from Port Republic, allegedly cut off the victim, Maritza Arias-Galva, before opening fire. The woman survived and was able to help police identify the attacker.

Charges Against Ernest Wesley Heinz

Heinz faces several serious charges. Police confirmed counts of attempted homicide, aggravated assault, and aggravated assault with a firearm. He was also charged with possession of a weapon and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose.

According to officials, the actor shouted threats and warned the woman he would kill her. The shot struck Arias-Galva in the upper nose. Despite the injury, she remained conscious and spoke to police. Authorities said her wounds are not life-threatening, and she is now recovering.

Police reports note that Heinz fled the scene, driving north on Vera King Ferris Drive, which cuts through Stockton University. This triggered a three-hour campus lockdown. Students and staff were ordered to shelter in place while law enforcement searched the grounds.

How Police Arrested Ernest Heinz

Arias-Galva gave officers a clear description of the suspect. She said he was a white male with blond hair tied in a ponytail, driving a white Honda SUV. This helped police track Heinz later that day to a home in the Blue Herron Pines community.

Heinz was taken into custody without further violence. He is currently being held at the Atlantic County Justice Facility. A detention hearing is expected next week.

Stockton University President Joe Bertolino issued a statement praising students and staff for following safety instructions. He acknowledged the stress caused by the lockdown and thanked the community for its patience.

Broader Impact of the Arrest

The shooting has drawn national headlines because of Heinz’s past role in The Sopranos. It also sparked safety concerns among students and staff at Stockton University. Road rage cases have been rising across the U.S., and this incident highlights the dangers of armed drivers in high-tension encounters.

For now, Ernest Wesley Heinz remains behind bars facing attempted homicide charges. Court proceedings in the coming weeks will determine his future.

Ernest Heinz, the former Sopranos actor, is facing one of the most serious criminal cases of his life. The road rage shooting has left a woman injured, a campus shaken, and his career under scrutiny.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: Who is Ernest Wesley Heinz?

Ernest Heinz is a 46-year-old actor known for appearing in *The Sopranos*. He was arrested in New Jersey after a road rage shooting incident.

Q2: What charges does Ernest Heinz face?

He faces attempted homicide, aggravated assault, possession of a weapon, and related firearm charges.

Q3: Who was the victim in the shooting?

The victim was Maritza Arias-Galva. She was shot in the face but survived with non-life-threatening injuries.

Q4: Why was Stockton University locked down?

Heinz fled near the university campus after the shooting. Police ordered a lockdown while searching for him.

Q5: Where is Ernest Heinz now?

He is being held at the Atlantic County Justice Facility. A detention hearing will be held next week.