Man wanted in fatal hit-and-run crash that killed CT man arrested as fugitive in Florida

A man wanted on manslaughter and other charges in connection with a fatal hit-and-run crash involving a pedestrian in Connecticut last month has been arrested in Florida and charged as a fugitive.

James Black, 40, of Florida has been taken into custody by the Highland County Sheriff’s Office, according to the North Branford Police Department.

Police said they learned Tuesday evening that Black had been apprehended and was being held in custody in Sebring, Florida, while he awaits extradition to Connecticut. He is wanted on charges of manslaughter, evading responsibility resulting in death and tampering with evidence, according to police.

The charges stem from a crash on March 28 in North Branford that killed 65-year-old David Horbal, police said.

Once he is extradited, Black will be arraigned in New Haven Superior Court.

“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,” North Branford police wrote in a statement Tuesday.

“From the initial call, officers have been exhaustively working to identify the driver and vehicle which fled the scene,” police wrote.

According to police, North Branford investigators were assisted by the South Central Regional Traffic Unit, the New Haven State’s Attorney’s Office and police departments in East Haven, Branford, Madison, Guilford and New Haven.

“Our partnerships with these local agencies cannot be measured,” police 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.”

“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,” Chief of Police James Lovelace said in a statement. “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.”

According to his obituary, Horbal was born in Middletown and grew up in Deep River, where he was raised by his aunts and uncle. He graduated from Valley Regional High School and later earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Eastern Connecticut State University, the obituary said.

Horbal worked at the Home Depot in Hamden and also worked in landscaping and was a substitute teacher, according to the obituary. He enjoyed traveling, golfing, outdoor camping and hiking.

“He channeled his creativity through writing and journaling,” the obituary states.