Suspect in custody in off-campus shooting near Stockton University
Stockton University shelter-in-place order lifted
An investigation is underway after a shooting near Stockton University prompted a shelter-in-place Thursday.
GALLOWAY, N.J. - A suspect is in custody after a shooting near Stockton University prompted a shelter-in-place on Thursday afternoon.
The backstory:
Stockton University ordered students and staff in Galloway to shelter-in-place around 1 p.m. Thursday after a vehicle wanted in a shooting fled through campus.
The school advised that police were looking for a white Honda CRX that drove onto campus using the Vera King Ferris Drive and Jimmie Leeds Road entrance.
The shelter-in-place was lifted after nearly three hours, with Galloway Police reporting that a suspect identified as 46-year-old Ernest Heinz was placed in custody.
All classes and activities at Stockton's Galloway campus were canceled on Thursday, but resumed as normal on Friday.
What we know:
Police received a call from the victim, Maritza Arias-Galva, who reported that she had been shot in the face during a road rage incident on Vera King Ferris Drive.
The suspect, according to police, fled on Vera King Ferris Drive onto the campus of Stockton University. The victim was brought to the hospital in stable condition.
Police caught up with the suspect, 46-year-old Ernest Heinz, at a residence in the blue Heron Pines Development and placed him under arrest.
Investigators executed search warrants on three properties in Port Republic, another home in Galloway Township, and two vehicles.
Heinz was charged with several crimes, including attempted homicide, aggravated assault with a firearm, and more.
What they're saying:
Stockton University President Joe Bertolino thanked students and staff for their cooperation in a letter to the school community.
"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," Bertonlino said.