Colonia Man Arrested In Hit-And-Run Crash That Killed Vauxhall Woman

LINDEN, NJ — The driver involved in the fatal hit-and-run crash that killed a 62-year-old Vauxhall woman on Thursday was arrested.

Donna Babbs was walking north across E. St. George Avenue in Linden just before 1 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 24 when she was struck by a 2001 Nissan Altima traveling east on E. St. George Avenue, Linden Police reported.

The driver of the vehicle fled and Babbs was pronounced dead at the scene, according to reports.

• Related: Woman Killed In Fatal Hit-And-Run Crash In Linden

Michael Nicholson, 51, of Colonia was identified as the driver of the car. Nicholson was arrested at his home in Colonia without incident, just hours after the crash, Linden Police reported.

Assisting in the investigation was the Union County Homicide Task Force and the Bound Brook, Perth Amboy, Roselle, and Woodbridge police departments.

“Our prayers are with the victim, and all those affected by this tragedy,” said Linden Police Chief Jonathan Parham. “We are pleased to be able to make this arrest quickly. It is yet another example of ordinary citizens and law enforcement working together to make our community safer."

Nicholson is charged with leaving the scene of a fatal crash, a second-degree crime, and remains in custody awaiting an appearance in Superior Court.

The crash remains under investigation by the Linden Police Traffic Bureau and anyone with information is asked to call Investigator Jimmy Solano at 908-474-8505.

(Image via Linden Police: Michael Nicholson, 51, of Colonia)

Have a news tip? Email alexis.tarrazi@patch.com.

Get Patch breaking news alerts sent right to your phone with our new app. Download here.