Fatal Hit & Run Suspect Extradited To CT, Charged With Manslaughter

NORTH BRANFORD, CT — North Branford police brought James Black, 40, back to Connecticut from Florida Tuesday on an outstanding warrant for the crash that killed David Horbal, a 65-year-old North Branford resident. Black was identified as a suspect in the deadly crash and then, a fugitive.

Black, a Florida resident, was booked and processed on the charges of first-degree manslaughter, evading responsibility resulting in death and tampering with evidence.

He is currently held on a $400,000 court set bond and will appear in court in New Haven Wednesday.

"We are thankful for our partners from the New Haven State's Attorney's Office, the Connecticut State Police and Tampa International Airport Police for their assistance during this process," North Branford Police Chief James Lovelace said. "We are especially thankful for the assistance, hospitality, and professionalism of the Highlands County Sheriff's Office - Sheriff Paul Blackman. Their dedication to the law enforcement community and Sheriff Paul Blackman's personnel were outstanding, and we will forever be grateful."

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NORTH BRANFORD, CT —Described by police as a fugitive, the suspect in the fatal hit-and-run late last month was taken into custody Tuesday by a Florida sheriff, according to North Branford Chief of Police James Lovelace.

Lovelace said a call came in from Sebring, Florida Tuesday night alerting authorities that James Black, a Florida resident, was taken into custody "as he was a wanted fugitive" for the fatal pedestrian crash March 28.

Black, 40, now awaits extradition to Connecticut to appear in New Haven Superior Court for the charge of manslaughter. He also faces charges of Evading Responsibility Resulting in Death and Tampering with Evidence.

The early morning fatal hit-and-run on Rt. 80 claimed the life of David Horbal, a 65-year-old North Branford resident.

"We know this arrest does not ease the pain and suffering for the victim David Horbal’s family, friends and loved one’s, but we hope this arrest begins the process of healing from this horrific incident," Lovelace said. "From the initial call, officers have been exhaustively working to identify the driver and vehicle which fled the scene."

Lovelace said that the "difficult investigation" was completed with the assistance of the East Haven, Branford, Guilford, Madison and New Haven police departments, the South Central Regional Traffic Unit and the New Haven State’s Attorney’s Office.

"Our partnership’s with these local agencies cannot be measured," Lovelace said.

"We are also thankful for all those in the community as well as private businesses in North Branford and surrounding towns who went above and beyond to help us investigate this incident. Their support was unwavering and crucial to the arrest of James Black," the police chief noted. "I am especially thankful and in awe of the efforts and determination of the officers of North Branford Police Department, especially Officer Louis Pane who is the lead investigator in this case. Their professionalism, empathy, work ethic and commitment to bring James Black into custody for this horrific crime, highlights their professionalism and devotion to the residents of North Branford and the Connecticut Law Enforcement community.”

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Early Thursday morning, a 911 call came in to the North Branford Communications Center about an injured person in the area of 97 Foxon Road, police said.

When police, fire and medical personnel got there, they found a "deceased male who appears to have been struck by an unknown vehicle, which subsequently left the scene," police said.

South Central Regional Accident investigation unit is currently on scene and will be investigating this incident, North Branford police said.

Foxon Road will be closed between the East Haven Town line and Totoket Road for an extended period of time, officials added.

"With deepest sympathy to the family and friends of the deceased male, who will not be identified until notification is made to his family," police said in a statement.

If anyone witnessed this incident or has information which can assist our investigators, they can contact the North Branford Police Department at 203-484-2703. Callers may remain anonymous.