Ambulance Delay for Dying Man After Officer's Anxiety Attack, Report Reveals
A man who was shot by police in Connecticut last year and later died had to wait an additional 10 minutes for an ambulance after the first one sent to the scene was used to transport an officer experiencing a "mild anxiety attack," according to a newly released state investigation. The incident has raised serious questions about emergency response protocols and accountability in law enforcement.
Details of the Shooting and Aftermath
Dyshan Best, a 39-year-old Black man, was shot in the back on March 31 last year as he fled from officers in Bridgeport, Connecticut. A report released Tuesday by the state’s inspector general found that the shooting was justified because Best had a gun in his hand, and the pursuing officer, Yoon Heo, had reasonable fear for his safety. However, the report highlighted critical issues in the aftermath of the shooting, which left Best with severe internal injuries and bleeding.
The first ambulance arrived at the scene at 6:02 p.m., approximately 14 minutes after the shooting. Despite Best's critical condition, at the urging of other officers, this ambulance was diverted to take away Officer Erin Perrotta, who had been involved in the foot chase and was described as having an anxiety attack. Paramedics reported that Perrotta declined treatment in the ambulance, stating, "I am fine, I just needed to get out of here." Another officer noted she was "visibly hysterical (crying and breathing rapidly) and had blood all over her uniform."
Impact of the Delay and Family's Response
A second ambulance arrived at about 6:12 p.m., and hospital records indicate Best was brought in for treatment at 6:22 p.m.—around 14 minutes after Perrotta reached the hospital. Best died at 7:41 p.m. while undergoing treatment for a gunshot wound that damaged his liver and right kidney. The inspector general's report did not specify whether the 10-minute delay contributed to his death, but it has sparked outrage among his family and community.
Tatiana Barrett, one of Best's nieces, told The Associated Press that the revelations have angered and saddened relatives and friends, who believe he might have survived if taken in the first ambulance. "Honestly it's heartbreaking hearing all these details," she said. "We were looking for justice. In our community, we don’t know what justice looks like. We want justice for my uncle. We truly believe he was murdered."
Police Response and Ongoing Investigations
Shawnna White, a spokesperson for Bridgeport police, declined to comment on Perrotta taking the first ambulance, stating that the department's Internal Affairs Division would conduct its own investigation. Perrotta is currently on administrative leave due to an unrelated matter, which White did not disclose. Attempts to reach Perrotta, Mayor Joe Ganim’s office, the inspector general’s office, the city police union, and Darnell Crosland, a lawyer for Best’s family, were unsuccessful as of Wednesday.
Background of the Incident
The series of events began with a 911 call reporting a brawl involving about 30 people, some armed. A witness directed officers to two men in an SUV, alleging they had a gun. Perrotta approached the passenger’s side, opened the door, and asked Best to step out for a pat-down. Body camera video shows Best holding a bottle of alcohol, a vape pen, and a cellphone before fleeing. During the chase, Best pulled out a 9 mm handgun, and as he ran into a lot with disabled cars, Officer Heo fired twice, striking him once.
The inspector general concluded, based on video evidence, that the shooting was justified because Best pointed his gun backward at Heo while running. After being wounded, Best said, "I got shot," to which Heo responded, "You pulled a gun on me." Best denied this, but Prescott confirmed a handgun was found near him. Crosland, the family's lawyer, disputed that Best had a gun, claiming it was a vape pen, but Prescott stated the video clearly shows a pistol.
Barrett added that Best was a truck driver who had returned to his hometown of Bridgeport to attend a friend’s funeral, highlighting his personal background amid the tragic circumstances.
