A New Jersey mother of three may be permanently blinded after being allegedly shot during a terrifying road rage encounter.
According to the Galloway Township Police Department, 46-year-old Ernest Heinz was taken into custody hours after allegedly shooting Maritza Arias-Galva on Sept. 11. Arias-Galva sustained a gunshot wound to the face but remained conscious and was able to describe the man who reportedly cut her off in traffic before pulling up alongside her and threatening her life. She remains hospitalized and is recovering from her injuries.
Arias-Galva’s son told Philadelphia-based NBC affiliate WCAU that Heinz allegedly warned his mother, “I’m going to kill you today. Today, I’m gonna take care of you,” before firing through her car window.
According to a criminal complaint obtained by WCAU, Arias-Galva was merging when Heinz sped ahead and cut her off. At a red light, with the vehicles side-by-side, he reportedly yelled threats at her and aimed a gun. Despite Arias-Galva rolling up her window, Heinz fired, shattering the glass and striking her in the face, causing severe eye injury.
The incident occurred near Stockton University, where Heinz allegedly fled, prompting an hourslong campus lockdown. He was arrested later that day at his home and faces multiple charges, including attempted homicide, aggravated assault with a firearm, aggravated assault, and unlawful weapon possession.
Heinz, who has worked as an actor in small television and film roles including The Sopranos, Resident Evil, and The Prestige, is currently held at the Atlantic County Justice Facility without bail. He is scheduled for a pretrial detention hearing on Tuesday.
Arias-Galva’s son, Victor Feliz-Alvarez, told WCAU he wants “justice” for his mother, adding, “Lock him up and don’t let him out.”
