Police Shooting Victim Waited for Ambulance as Officer Took First One
A state investigation has revealed that a man who died after being shot by police in Bridgeport, Connecticut, waited an additional ten minutes for an ambulance because the first emergency vehicle transported an officer experiencing a mild anxiety attack.
Chilling Photographs and Delayed Medical Response
Harrowing photographs show Dyshan Best, thirty-nine years old, lying on the ground moments before police officers gunned him down. The incident occurred during a foot chase in Bridgeport, Connecticut, and authorities have since declared the shooting justified.
Despite suffering severe internal injuries and bleeding profusely, Mr Best missed the initial opportunity to receive urgent hospital care. Instead, paramedics attended to Officer Erin Perrotta, who was visibly hysterical following the pursuit to detain Mr Best.
Justified Shooting but Fatal Outcome
A report released on Tuesday by Connecticut Inspector General Eliot Prescott concluded that the shooting was justified. The investigation found that Mr Best had a gun in his hand during the chase, giving the pursuing officer legitimate reasons to fear for personal safety.
However, Mr Best succumbed to liver and right kidney injuries at the hospital less than two hours later. The inspector general's report did not specify whether the delay in waiting for a second ambulance contributed directly to his death.
Timeline of Events and Community Reaction
The first ambulance arrived at the scene at 6:02 PM, fourteen minutes after the shooting on March thirty-first last year. Officer Perrotta reportedly asked medics not to take her to the hospital, but colleagues insisted due to her visibly distressed state, crying and breathing rapidly with blood on her uniform.
A second ambulance arrived approximately ten minutes later at 6:12 PM. Hospital records indicate Mr Best was brought in for treatment at 6:22 PM, about fourteen minutes after Officer Perrotta reached the medical facility.
Mr Best died at 7:41 PM while undergoing treatment for a single gunshot wound. Officer Perrotta received care for her mild anxiety attack and is currently on administrative leave for an unrelated matter.
Reacting to these developments, Mr Best's niece, Tatiana Barrett, expressed profound grief. She stated, "Honestly, it's heartbreaking hearing all these details. 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 Department Response and Initial Incident
Bridgeport Police spokesperson Shawnna White declined to comment on Wednesday when questioned about Officer Perrotta taking the first ambulance. In an email, White confirmed that the police department's Internal Affairs Division would conduct its own separate investigation into the matter.
The series of events began when someone dialled 911 to report a brawl involving approximately thirty people, some of whom were armed with guns. A witness directed officers to two men in an SUV, alleging they possessed a firearm.
Body camera footage shows Officer Perrotta approaching the passenger side of the vehicle and opening the door. Mr Best is visible in the passenger seat, holding a bottle of alcohol, a vape pen, and a mobile phone. After Officer Perrotta requests he step out for a pat-down, Mr Best exits the SUV and flees, with police in pursuit. He pulled out a gun during the chase, leading to the fatal shooting.
