Law enforcement officers in Union County say that they have arrested the man responsible for killing a beloved teacher in a hit-and-run crash.

The crash happened in the early morning hours of Jan. 20 at the intersection of Wood and St. Georges avenues in Linden.

Prosecutors say that Meghan Crilly, 36, was out with friends for the evening and was walking in the crosswalk when Ibn Collins, 39, ran a red light, struck Crilly, and then took off. Crilly died 11 days later.

Authorities say that Collins was drunk at the time of the crash, having been out celebrating his birthday.

“The investigation revealed he consumed drinks. Video from the bar confirmed this,” said acting Union County Prosecutor Michael Monahan. “The defendant was driving his jeep when he ran a red light at the intersection and hit the victim. He didn't slow down or stop but went through.”

Collins now faces several charges, including first-degree aggravated manslaughter, death by auto while intoxicated and evidence tampering. Police say he used his job at a Westfield auto body shop to secretly fix the damage to his jeep.

Collins was from Fanwood and taught second grade at Beachwood Elementary School in Mountainside.

“Meghan was a beloved daughter, sister, friend and teacher. The arrest doesn’t bring her back, but it secures justice,” Monahan said.

Collins is due in court on March 25.