GALLOWAY TOWNSHIP, N.J. — Police in Galloway Township have arrested a Port Republic man after a violent road-rage confrontation ended in gunfire, leaving a township woman with a gunshot wound to the face. Authorities confirmed that 46-year-old Ernest W. Heinz is facing multiple charges, including attempted homicide, following the shooting of Maritza Arias-Galva.
The incident unfolded late Thursday morning on Vera King Ferris Drive near the Stockton University campus. Arias-Galva managed to call 911 herself, reporting that she had been shot in the face by a man in another vehicle who fled the scene. When officers arrived, they found her suffering from the wound but still able to provide a description of her attacker. She identified him as a white male with blond hair tied in a ponytail and described his vehicle as a white Honda SUV.
Emergency responders quickly transported Arias-Galva to AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center in Atlantic City. Doctors confirmed she was in stable condition and is expected to recover. Despite the severity of her injury, investigators credited her presence of mind and detailed description with giving them an early lead in the case.
That lead quickly proved critical. Within hours of the shooting, detectives identified Heinz as the suspect. Later the same day, officers located him at a home in the Blue Heron Pines development in Galloway Township. He was taken into custody without further incident. Search warrants were later executed at multiple residences in Port Republic and Galloway Township, as well as on two vehicles tied to Heinz.
Heinz was transported to the Atlantic County Justice Facility and formally charged with attempted homicide, aggravated assault with a firearm, aggravated assault, unlawful possession of a weapon, and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose. Authorities said additional evidence is being reviewed as the investigation continues.
Galloway Township Police Chief Eric B. Hendrickson praised the quick response of his officers and the assistance of regional partners, calling the case an example of decisive police work that likely prevented further violence. “The prompt and professional actions of our officers resulted in a quick apprehension of Mr. Heinz,” Hendrickson said. “We wish Ms. Arias-Galva a swift recovery, and we are here to support our community following this senseless incident.”
The investigation was supported by the Stockton University Police Department, the Atlantic County Sheriff’s Office, the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office, the New Jersey State Police, and several other local agencies. Officials emphasized that the charges are accusations and that Heinz remains presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
The shooting, which played out on a busy roadway near a university campus, has rattled residents of Galloway Township and the surrounding communities. For many, the violent encounter underscores the dangers of road-rage confrontations and the importance of staying calm behind the wheel. While Arias-Galva continues her recovery, authorities say the case remains active and additional updates will be provided as the legal process unfolds.
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