Printer Friendly Version - Hit and Run Suspect in Custody: North Branford Police Update

Suspect Located in Florida, Charged with Manslaughter

James Black, 39, was taken into custody on a warrant in Florida on April 9 as a wanted fugitive for a fatal pedestrian motor vehicle accident on March 28 in North Branford. Photo from Highand County Sheriff’s Office, Florida.

At 6:13 p.m. on April 9 the North Branford Communications Center received a call from Sebring, Florida regarding an outstanding warrant for James Black, 39, (resident of Florida). The Highland County Sheriff’s Office took Black into custody as he was a wanted fugitive for the fatal pedestrian motor vehicle accident which occurred on March 28, in North Branford.

Black will be held in custody in Sebring, Florida as he awaits extradition back to the State of Connecticut to appear in court in New Haven, Connecticut for the charges of Manslaughter, Evading Responsibility Resulting in Death, and Tampering with Evidence.

We know this arrest does not ease the pain and suffering for the victim David Horbal’s family, friends, and loved ones, but we hope this arrest begins the process of healing from this horrific incident.

From the initial call, officers have been exhaustively working to identify the driver and vehicle which fled the scene. The North Branford Police Department would like to thank everyone who assisted us through this difficult investigation, including our partners the East Haven Police Department, Branford Police Department, Madison Police department, Guilford Police Department, New Haven Police Department, South Central Regional Traffic Unit and the New Haven State’s Attorney’s Office.

Our partnerships with these local agencies cannot be measured. 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 Black.

“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,” said Chief of Police James Lovelace. “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.”