Anyone help? please? car sputtering, then stalling at red light

my girlfriends car this morning started sputtering and then stalled at a red light. she had been driving for almost an hour. before the car stalled, (and i think after) her lights didnt work (directionals, time on the dash, etc.). she did get the car started again after a few minutes and the check engine light is on. is this the alternator? would could be the problem?