GALLOWAY TOWNSHIP, N.J. — On Thursday, September 11, 2025, the Galloway Township Police Department arrested 46-year-old Ernest W. Heinz of Port Republic in connection with the attempted homicide of Maritza Arias-Galva of Galloway Township. The incident occurred on the campus of Stockton University and was later determined to be the result of an isolated road-rage incident.
Shooting Incident
Officers responded to a 911 call placed by Ms. Arias-Galva, who reported that she had been shot in the face by a male driver in another vehicle. According to police, the suspect fled north onto Vera King Ferris Drive. First responders attended to the victim at the scene before she was transported via Galloway Township Ambulance to AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center, City Division, for trauma care. She is reported to be in stable condition and recovering from her injury.
Ms. Arias-Galva provided a detailed description of her attacker as a white male with blonde hair tied in a ponytail and identified his vehicle as a white Honda SUV, which played a key role in advancing the investigation.
Investigation and Arrest
The investigation progressed quickly, aided by the detailed description of the suspect vehicle. Officers identified Ernest Wesley Heinz as the lone occupant of the white Honda SUV. Heinz was located and taken into custody later the same day at a residence in the Blue Heron Pines Development in Galloway Township.
In conjunction with the arrest, search warrants were executed on three residences in Port Republic, one residence in Galloway Township, and two vehicles. Authorities recovered evidence linking Heinz to the incident.
Charges
Ernest Heinz has been charged with:
- Criminal Attempted Homicide
- Aggravated Assault with a Firearm
- Aggravated Assault
- Possession of a Weapon
- Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose
Criminal complaints were placed on warrants, and Heinz was lodged in the Atlantic County Justice Facility.
Police Statement
Chief Eric B. Hendrickson praised the rapid response of his officers, saying,
“The prompt and professional actions of our officers resulted in a quick apprehension of Mr. Heinz. We wish Ms. Arias-Galva a swift recovery, and we are here to support our community following this senseless incident.”
The Galloway Township Police Department also extended gratitude to the Stockton University Police Department, the Atlantic County Sheriff’s Office, the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office, the New Jersey State Police, and other assisting Atlantic County agencies for their collaborative efforts in the investigation.
Legal Note
Authorities emphasized that these charges are merely accusations and not proof of guilt.
“In all criminal cases, a charged defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty,” the department stated.
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