NJ actor in custody after road rage shooting near Stockton University locks down campus

GALLOWAY TWP., N.J. (WPHL) — A New Jersey actor is accused of being responsible for a shooting near Stockton University that sent the school into lockdown and one woman to the hospital on Thursday.

Friday afternoon, the Galloway Township Police Department announced Ernest Wesley Heinz, 46, of Port Republic, is facing attempted homicide and other offenses after the road-rage-related incident. According to Heinz’s IMDB profile, he has been featured in uncredited and minor roles in film and TV, including “J. Edgar,” “Resident Evil 5,” and “The Sopranos.”

According to the Galloway Township Police Department, the shooting happened before 1 p.m. on W. Jimmie Leeds Road near Redwood Avenue. Shortly after, law enforcement ordered students and staff to shelter in place when they got word that the suspect tried getting away through the campus.

A woman called 911 and said she had been shot in the face by a male suspect, who got away northbound onto Vera King Ferris Drive.

The lockdown was lifted four hours later. Police executed search warrants at three homes in Port Republic, a home in Galloway Township, and two vehicles. Around 5 p.m., investigators announced that the suspect, now identified as Heinz, was found and arrested at a local housing development.

Stockton University released the following statement on Thursday:

A Message From President Joe: 
I want to take a moment to thank you, sincerely and wholeheartedly, for your calm, cooperation, and care during today’s shelter in place directive on our Galloway campus. 

The decision to issue the directive was made out of an abundance of caution, following notification from the Stockton University Police Department of a reported shooting incident in the surrounding off-campus area. While the incident did not occur on campus, the safety of our students, faculty, and staff is always our highest priority. 

Our emergency response protocols were activated quickly and thoughtfully, and our teams worked to provide timely, accurate updates through our official communication channels. 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. 

We are deeply grateful to our Stockton University Police Department for their vigilance and swift action, as well as to the Galloway Township Police Department, New Jersey State Police and all other local, county, and state law enforcement agencies who responded with professionalism and care. Their coordination and partnership are essential to keeping our community safe. 

I also want to acknowledge that even when no direct threat materializes, events like this can leave a lasting emotional impact. If you’re feeling unsettled or anxious, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Support is available: 

• Counseling Services: Professional counselors are available to provide confidential support to students.
• UWill: Free, immediate access to teletherapy
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Faculty and staff can access counseling and wellness resources through Stockton’s EAP.
• Wellness Center: Open to all students for health, mental health, and prevention services.

Updates regarding dining services and shuttle operations are available on the Alerts page. 

As I often say, Stockton is strong because of all of you. Your ability to stay steady, informed, and kind, especially in uncertain moments, speaks volumes about the Ethic of Care that defines our community. 

We will always prioritize your safety. We will always communicate with transparency. And we will continue to navigate challenges together, grounded in care, resilience, and trust. 

Thank you again for your cooperation and understanding. Please take good care of yourselves and one another.

With appreciation, 
President Joe 

Police charged Heinz with Criminal Attempt Homicide, Aggravated Assault with a Firearm, Aggravated Assault, Possession of a Weapon, and Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose. He is lodged in the Atlantic County Justice Facility.