Bridgeport, Connecticut – A state investigation has revealed that a man shot by police in Bridgeport waited longer for medical help after the first ambulance that arrived at the scene was used to transport a police officer experiencing a “mild anxiety attack.” The delay, investigators say, meant the wounded man did not reach the hospital until 10 minutes later, where he later died from his injuries.
The incident involved Dyshan Best, a 39-year-old truck driver, who was shot by police on March 31, 2025, during a confrontation with officers responding to reports of a fight involving firearms.
According to a report released by the Connecticut Office of the Inspector General, officers were dispatched after witnesses reported a large brawl with several people believed to be armed.
The investigation states that the first ambulance called to the scene was ultimately used to transport a police officer rather than the man who had been shot.
The situation has sparked questions from Best’s family and renewed debate over emergency response decisions during police incidents.
Shooting Occurred During Foot Chase
Authorities say the confrontation began when officers approached an SUV after a witness pointed them toward two men inside the vehicle. Officer Erin Perrotta reportedly approached the passenger side and saw Best holding several items, including a bottle of alcohol, a vape pen, and a cellphone, according to body camera footage cited in the report.
Police asked Best to exit the vehicle so officers could conduct a pat-down search.
After stepping out of the SUV, Best suddenly ran from the scene.
Investigators say that during the pursuit, Best allegedly pulled out a 9mm handgun while running away from officers.
Officer Yoon Heo, who was chasing him, fired his weapon and struck Best once. The bullet caused severe internal injuries, leaving Best bleeding at the scene.
First Ambulance Transported Officer Instead
Emergency medical services were called shortly after the shooting. According to the report, the first ambulance was dispatched at 6:02 p.m.
However, when the ambulance arrived, it was used to transport Officer Erin Perrotta, who had been involved in the chase and was reportedly experiencing significant emotional distress.
Another officer described Perrotta at the time as “visibly hysterical, crying and breathing rapidly,” and noted that she had blood on her uniform from the incident.
The officer reportedly declined medical treatment in the ambulance, telling responders: “I am fine, I just needed to get out of here.”
Because the first ambulance left with the officer, Best had to wait for another ambulance to arrive.
Best Reached Hospital After Delay
The report states that Best was eventually transported from the scene at 6:12 p.m., approximately 10 minutes after the initial ambulance had been called.
He arrived at the hospital shortly afterward but succumbed to his injuries just over an hour later while undergoing treatment.
Medical officials determined that the gunshot wound pierced his liver and right kidney, causing life-threatening internal injuries.
The inspector general’s report did not determine whether the delay in medical treatment directly contributed to Best’s death.
However, the timeline of events has raised serious concerns among family members and community members.
State Investigation Finds Shooting Justified
Despite the controversy surrounding the ambulance delay, the state investigation concluded that the officer’s decision to fire was legally justified.
According to investigators, body camera footage showed Best pointing his gun backward toward the pursuing officer while running away.
Inspector General Eliot Prescot said video evidence showed Best holding a pistol during the encounter.
The footage also captured a brief exchange after the shooting. According to the report, Best said, “I got shot.” Officer Heo responded by saying “You pulled a gun on me.”
Best replied, “No, I didn’t,” but the officer answered, “Yeah, you did.”
Investigators later confirmed that a handgun was recovered near Best at the scene.
Family Questions the Findings
Best’s family has strongly disputed the conclusion that the shooting was justified. Relatives believe he may have survived if he had received medical care sooner.
His niece, Tatiana Barrett, told reporters that the family was devastated by the details revealed in the investigation.
“Honestly, it’s heartbreaking hearing all these details,” Barrett said. “We were looking for justice.”
Family members also expressed frustration about the ambulance delay and its possible impact on Best’s survival.
“We truly believe he was murdered,” Barrett said.
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The family’s attorney, Darnell Crosland, has also questioned the official narrative, arguing that Best may not have been holding a firearm when he was shot and suggesting he may have had a vape pen instead.
Investigators, however, maintain that body camera footage clearly showed a handgun.
Officer Currently on Administrative Leave
Bridgeport police officials confirmed that Officer Erin Perrotta is currently on administrative leave, though the leave is reportedly related to a separate matter unrelated to the shooting.
The case continues to draw attention in the community, particularly regarding the decisions made during the emergency response.
The inspector general’s report closed the investigation into the shooting itself, but the circumstances surrounding the ambulance use have raised broader questions about emergency procedures in critical incidents.
What are your thoughts on this case and the decisions made during the emergency response? Share your views respectfully in the comments and join the conversation.
