Officer’s ‘Anxiety Attack’ Delayed Ambulance for Man Shot by Police
Bridgeport, Conn. – A man who died after being shot by police in Bridgeport, Connecticut, experienced a 10-minute delay in receiving ambulance care after the first responding unit was diverted to transport a police officer experiencing a “mild anxiety attack,” according to a state investigation report released this week.
Dyshan Best, 39, was shot in the back on March 31, 2025, as he fled from officers during a foot chase. The Inspector General’s report determined the shooting was justified, finding that Best had a gun in his hand and the pursuing officer had a reasonable fear for his safety. However, the report raised concerns about the subsequent handling of medical care.
Ambulance Diverted to Officer
The first ambulance arrived at the scene at approximately 6:02 p.m., about 14 minutes after the shooting. Instead of immediately transporting Best, paramedics were directed by other officers to grab Erin Perrotta, a Bridgeport police officer involved in the chase, to the hospital.
Paramedics reported that Perrotta declined treatment in the ambulance, stating, “I am fine, I just needed to get out of here.” Another officer described Perrotta as “visibly hysterical (crying and breathing rapidly) and had blood all over her uniform,” according to the report. The Guardian
The second ambulance arrived at 6:12 p.m., and Best was admitted to the hospital at 6:22 p.m. – approximately 14 minutes after Perrotta arrived at the hospital. Best died at 7:41 p.m. While undergoing treatment for gunshot wounds that damaged his liver and right kidney.
Family Outrage and Investigations
The delay has sparked outrage from Best’s family. “Honestly it’s heartbreaking hearing all these details,” said Tatiana Barrett, Best’s niece, to the Associated Press. “We were looking for justice. In our community, we don’t know what justice looks like. We truly believe he was murdered.” The Guardian
The Inspector General’s report did not explicitly state whether the delay contributed to Best’s death. However, the circumstances have prompted investigations.
Bridgeport police spokesperson Shawnna White stated that the department’s Internal Affairs Division will conduct its own investigation. Perrotta is currently on administrative leave for an unrelated matter. The Guardian
Initial Encounter and Shooting
The incident began after a 911 call reporting a brawl involving approximately 30 people, some of whom were armed. Officers were directed to two men in an SUV, allegedly in possession of a firearm.
Body camera footage shows Officer Perrotta approaching the passenger side of the vehicle and asking Best to exit for a pat-down. Best then fled on foot, with officers in pursuit. During the chase, Best allegedly pulled out a 9 mm handgun. Officer Yoon Heo fired twice, striking Best once. CBS News
The Inspector General concluded the shooting was justified because Best pointed the gun towards Officer Heo as he ran. Best was heard saying, “I got shot,” while Heo responded, “You pulled a gun on me,” to which Best replied, “No I didn’t.” Heo then stated, “Yeah you did.” A handgun was found near Best at the scene. CBS News
Conflicting Accounts of Weapon
Darnell Crosland, the family’s attorney, has disputed claims that Best was armed, stating that he was holding a vape pen. However, the Inspector General maintains that police body camera video clearly shows Best with a pistol in his hand. News 12 Connecticut