Actor Charged in Road Rage Shooting Near Stockton University, Leading to Lockdown
An actor, identified as Ernest Wesley Heinz, 46, of Port Republic, New Jersey, has been charged in connection with a road rage shooting that prompted a lockdown at Stockton University in Galloway Township on Thursday. Heinz faces charges including attempted homicide following the incident that occurred near the university campus.
Details of the Shooting Incident
The Galloway Township Police Department responded to a 911 call reporting a shooting on W. Jimmie Leeds Road near Redwood Avenue around 12:52 p.m. The shooting occurred at a red light between two vehicles. According to police reports, Heinz allegedly cursed at the victim and threatened to kill her before firing a single shot, striking her in the upper nose.
Capt. Mark D'Esposito of the Galloway Twp. Police Dept. stated, "As they approached the light, the male yelled at her, reached his hand out the window and fired a single shot." The victim, despite her injury, was able to provide a description of her attacker and his vehicle, a white Honda SUV, to the police.
Investigation and Arrest
The investigation led detectives to Heinz, who was taken into custody later that day at a residence in the Blue Herron Pines Development. Police executed search warrants on multiple residences and vehicles in Port Republic and Galloway Township. According to his IMDB profile, Heinz has had minor roles in movies, TV shows, and the Resident Evil video game series.
Stockton University Lockdown and Response
Following the shooting, a shelter-in-place order was issued for the Stockton University campus as police conducted their search. The lockdown lasted approximately three hours before being lifted. Stockton University President Joe Bertolino released a statement acknowledging the unsettling nature of the situation and commending the community for their cooperation.
"I recognize how unsettling it can be to receive an alert like that, and I want to commend you for your patience, understanding, and commitment to following the guidance provided," wrote President Bertolino.
The university resumed normal operations on Friday.
Legal Proceedings
Heinz is currently being held at the Atlantic County Justice Facility. He is scheduled to appear in court for a detention hearing next week. The Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office has filed a motion seeking his detention. Court records do not currently list an attorney for Heinz.
Victim's Condition and Investigation Details
The victim was transported to AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center in Atlantic City and was listed in stable condition. Police believe Heinz may have driven through the university campus as a means to escape towards Port Republic. The shooting is being considered a random act of road rage, as the victim and Heinz did not know each other.
