A New Jersey man accused of shooting a woman in the face during a road rage incident has been indicted on a staggering 31 charges. The incident, which left the victim with potentially blinding injuries, has drawn significant attention and concern.

Ernest Heinz, 47, has been held at the Atlantic County Justice Facility since his arrest in September. According to previous reports by Law&Crime, the altercation began when Heinz, driving a white Honda CR-V, cut off a vehicle driven by 42-year-old Maritza Arias-Galva. As the cars pulled alongside each other, Heinz allegedly yelled threats at Arias-Galva, vowing to kill her before firing a shot through her window, striking her in the face. The injuries she sustained to her eye are severe enough that she may lose her sight, as noted on a GoFundMe page set up for her recovery. The ensuing search for Heinz led to a lockdown at Stockton University, heightening the drama of the case.

In an interview with NBC Philadelphia’s affiliate WCAU, Arias-Galva’s son recounted the chilling moment, stating that Heinz warned his mother, “I’m going to kill you today. Today, I’m gonna take care of you,” before discharging the firearm.

Initially, Heinz faced charges including attempted homicide, aggravated assault with a firearm, and possession of a weapon for unlawful purposes. However, the scope of his legal troubles expanded when a grand jury recently indicted him on 31 felony counts. Local news outlet BreakingAC.com, which accessed the indictment documents, indicated that many of these charges are tied to a significant cache of firearms that Heinz allegedly accessed shortly after the September 11 shooting.

Surveillance footage played a crucial role in the investigation. The video reportedly captured Heinz returning to his parents’ home in Galloway Township mere minutes after the shooting. He was seen with a small firearm matching the description provided by Arias-Galva. Shortly thereafter, Heinz was observed leaving the residence, this time carrying a black rifle case and a red bag, according to police reports.

Authorities tracked Heinz’s movements to a storage facility rented by an acquaintance. Heinz allegedly dropped off the weapons at the facility before he was arrested at his parents’ home later the same day.

Heinz formerly worked as an actor in small roles on television and in movies, including “The Sopranos,” “Resident Evil,” and “The Prestige.” According to reporting by BreakingAC.com, he moved back to New Jersey to care for his parents.

The indictment said authorities found a variety of firearms inside the facility, at least one registered to Heinz’s father. Heinz, who has an active restraining order against him in connection with a domestic violence charge, is not allowed to own guns, the indictment said.

The additional charges include hindering apprehension and tampering with evidence.

Heinz remains in custody at the Atlantic County Justice Facility, where he is being held without bond. He is scheduled to appear in court on Jan. 30, 2026.