GALLOWAY, N.J. (Sept. 11, 2025) — Stockton University issued a shelter-in-place order Thursday afternoon on the Galloway campus after a nearby off-campus shooting. Students scrambled to secure locations amid the threat.

According to Galloway Township police, the shooting happened on West Jimmie Leeds Road near Redwood Avenue at about 12:52 p.m. Police described a suspect passenger as “a white male with a green shirt and long blond hair,” and said the suspect’s vehicle was a white Honda CR-V.

An emergency alert on Stockton’s website said the vehicle entered Vera King Farris Drive at Jimmie Leeds Road and traveled north through the main campus road.

The Atlantic County Sheriff’s Office reported a woman was shot and taken to AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center, City Campus, where she was in stable condition.

Jamiah Bailey, a junior at Stockton, felt anxious as her and her peers anticipated the campus alerts. “It was a lot of waiting…three hours of just sitting in place and doing nothing and being anxious so it wasn’t a great feeling, but we got through it.”

At 4:03 p.m., Stockton police issued an all clear and lifted the shelter-in-place order. The suspect, whose name has yet to be disclosed, is now in custody after being arrested in a local housing development.

The university said all classes and activities were canceled for the rest of the day. Shuttle service and campus dining operations are expected to resume after 5 p.m., with a normal schedule Friday.

Stockton University President Joe Bertolino issued a statement at 4:31 p.m., thanking police for securing the campus. “While the incident did not occur on campus, the safety of our students, faculty and staff is always our highest priority.”

Another Stockton student who remains anonymous states, “I’m grateful for the faculty and staff along with the police forces who ensured the safety of everyone on campus today. It is crucial in these times that we continue to stand together as a community and prioritize the safety of our campus that many students call their home.” 

The Galloway Police Department arrested Ernest W. Heinz for the attempted homicide of Maritza Arias-Galva after locating him at a residence in Blue Heron Pines Development in Galloway Township.

After receiving a 911 call by Arias-Galva, police searched the area for the suspect for several hours, including on Stockton University’s campus.

Police later determined the shooting was a result of an isolated road-rage incident. Heinz was taken into custody and search warrants were executed on three residences in Port Republic, a residence in Galloway Township and on two motor vehicles.

Heinz was charged with five offenses: criminal attempt homicide, aggravated assault, aggravated assault with a firearm, possession of a weapon, and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose.

“The prompt and professional actions of our officers resulted in a quick apprehension of Mr. Heinz” said Chief Eric B. Hendrickson. “We wish Ms. Arias-Galva a swift recovery, and we are here to support our community following this senseless incident.”

Support services are available for students and employees affected by the incident:

• 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.