Actor involved in road rage incident shoots New Jersey mother, according to police reports.
On Thursday, Maritza Arias-Galva, a 42-year-old mother of three, was looking forward to celebrating her belated birthday with her children after a day of grocery shopping in South Jersey. Armed with a small cake, balloons, and ingredients to prepare pasta and shrimp—one of her daughter’s favorite meals—Arias-Galva’s day took a tragic turn as she attempted to merge into another lane of traffic.
While navigating the busy road, she encountered a driver in a white Honda SUV who aggressively blocked her attempt to merge. In a shocking escalation, the driver subsequently pursued her vehicle. At a stoplight, Arias-Galva rolled down her window to address the agitated driver, who expressed his anger before declaring his intent to take her life. In a harrowing turn of events, he shot her in the face before fleeing the scene. Despite her injuries, Arias-Galva managed to call 911, providing critical information to authorities while fighting to remain conscious, her thoughts consumed by the need to survive for her children.
Within hours, local law enforcement apprehended 46-year-old Ernest W. Heinz from Port Republic, Atlantic County. Police have charged Heinz with attempted homicide, aggravated assault, and multiple weapons violations, affirming that the shooting stemmed from an isolated road-rage incident. He is currently being held at the Atlantic County Justice Facility. Chief Eric B. Hendrickson praised the swift and professional response of the police officers involved, emphasizing their commitment to community support following this senseless act of violence.
The incident has sparked significant discussions online, where many noted that Heinz has a background in acting, with credits in film and video game projects, including minor roles in popular productions like “J. Edgar” and “Resident Evil.” However, his career appears to have stagnated after 2014.
In the aftermath of the shooting, friends and colleagues of Arias-Galva have rallied to support her. A fundraising effort initiated by a coworker highlights her dedication as a single mother juggling multiple jobs to provide for her family. The heartfelt support from the community underscores the tragic nature of this event, as many express their sorrow over Arias-Galva’s situation and their desire to assist her recovery.
Arias-Galva, recovering from emergency surgery, expressed gratitude for the support she has received, emphasizing her relief at being alive to share her story. The swift actions of law enforcement, along with the outpouring of community support, reflect the collective desire to address the increasing prevalence of road rage incidents and their devastating consequences.
For those looking to contribute to the support of Arias-Galva and her family, many have been encouraged to donate, demonstrating a community united in resilience and compassion.
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