An actor who appeared in The Sopranos is now at the center of a disturbing criminal case tied to a violent road rage shooting in southern New Jersey.
According to People, Ernest Heinz, 46, was indicted earlier this month on 31 criminal counts connected to a September 11 incident that left a woman with serious injuries. Court records show Heinz is set to be arraigned on January 30, 2026, and will remain behind bars while he awaits trial.
The shooting happened near Stockton University in Galloway Township, where Maritza Arias-Galva told police she was shot in the face during what investigators described as a road rage confrontation.
Authorities say Arias-Galva called 911 shortly after the attack and described the suspect as a white man with blond hair pulled back, driving a white Honda SUV. Officers later located Heinz at a nearby home and arrested him the same day.
He was initially charged with attempted homicide, aggravated assault with a firearm, unlawful possession of a weapon, and several related offenses, according to the Galloway Township Police Department.
The case escalated after prosecutors say investigators discovered multiple firearms inside a storage unit linked to Heinz. Authorities allege he went to the unit shortly after the shooting, prompting dozens of additional weapons charges to be filed.
Investigators believe Heinz fired at least one round into Arias-Galva’s vehicle after the two drivers encountered each other while merging on South Pomona Road. During a detention hearing, prosecutors alleged Heinz yelled threats at the victim, including saying, “I’m going to kill you.”
Surveillance footage reportedly shows Heinz returning to Port Republic less than 10 minutes after the shooting while still armed. Prosecutors say he was later seen retrieving bags that were found to contain weapons stored in a unit rented by an associate.
Arias-Galva has since spoken about the terrifying moments after the shooting, saying she focused on surviving for her children. “I was thinking about my kids,” she said. “I need to survive this.”
Heinz has not yet entered a plea. The case remains ongoing.