BY STEPHANIE BARISH wpix.com

2:23 p.m. EST, December 1, 2009
VALLEY COTTAGE, N.Y. (WPIX)—
Authorities have caught the man wanted in connection with the death of a popular Rockland County gym teacher, and PIX News was the only one on the scene at the time of the arrest.

Clarkstown police captured 32-year-old Eric Lau after a resident reported seeing a man matching his description in northern New City.

It all began Tuesday, when a car belonging to Lau - a 2007 Toyota Scion was spotted in a parking lot at 160 N. Main St. near the New City Gardens condominium where his parents live.

Authorities said they spoke with Lau's parents and executed a search on the family's home.

Jami Erlich, died after suffering injuries from a knife and blunt object sometime between 9:15 and 9:45 p.m. Sunday inside her Lake Road residence.

The Rockland Medical Examiner's Office issued its initial report Tuesday afternoon - however authorities declined to discuss the number of stab wounds or bruises found on her body.

Officials urge there is not enough evidence to link Lau with the crime. However, according to reports Lau did not show up at work Monday at Pfizer in Pearl River.

Jami Erlich worked as an elementary school gym teacher at Connor Elementary school since 2000 where she was well liked among the students.

"She was always ready to go...if you had a bad day at class, you'd want to go to her class," a former student told PIX News.

The parent of a former student - who did not want to be identified - shared the same sentiments.

"She was very kind hearted and the students loved her," she said.

Ramapo Central School District Superintendent Robert MacNaughton said he was notified of Erlich's sudden death Monday morning. In a statement issued to PIX News he wrote, "she was a well respected physical education teacher. She will be missed by staff and students."