New Jersey Actor Faces Serious Charges After Alleged Road Rage Shooting Near Stockton University

A minor television and film star was indicted by a New Jersey grand jury for road rage near Stockton University. Prosecutors say a driving dispute evolved into a daytime life-threatening gunshot.

Port Republic’s 47-year-old Ernest Heinz was charged with first-degree attempted murder, aggravated assault, and weapons crimes. According to court documents, the 31-count accusation follows a September incident in Galloway Township, Atlantic County.

The dispute began when Heinz and a woman tried to merge into a single lane on South Pomona Road, investigators say. Investigators stated Heinz passed the woman’s car during merging, increasing tension. Both cars met again minutes later near a traffic signal on Vera King Farris Drive, which leads to Stockton University’s main campus.

Prosecutors say Heinz shouted from his automobile and fired at least one shot into the woman’s car during this second rendezvous. A woman was allegedly smacked in the face. In a detention hearing, state officials said Heinz threatened to kill the victim, leading to the attempted murder charge.

After the shooting, Heinz was arrested within hours. Police said video shows him returning to Port Republic with a firearm less than 10 minutes after the gunfire. Authorities say Heinz took rifle-containing bags from his residence and a convenience store. Authorities tied Heinz to the case after a friend rented a storage facility where those items were recovered.

Heinz was a real estate broker and actress who appears in one Sopranos episode. While those honors have drawn attention, officials say the case is being handled as a criminal matter without regard to his history.

Defense attorney Robin Kay Lord claims passion-provocation manslaughter, not attempted murder. His defense proposed house arrest for Heinz before trial. A judge refused the request due to the charges’ severity and public safety.

Heinz will face the indictment at his late January appearance. He will stay in detention during the New Jersey court proceedings. As the investigation continues, prosecutors think the charges demonstrate the state’s commitment to fighting gun violence and road rage that imperil innocent lives.

The case rekindled New Jersey discussions about aggressive driving and road interactions near colleges. Drivers should report risky behavior to police rather than escalate disputes, according to officials.