Bridgeport Police Shooting Deemed Justified, Ambulance Delay Questioned

Report finds officer who took first ambulance was having 'mild anxiety attack' after shooting incident

Mar. 12, 2026 at 2:35pm

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A newly released state investigation found that the police shooting of Dyshan Best in Bridgeport, Connecticut last year was justified, as Best had a gun in his hand during the incident. However, the report raised questions about the 10-minute delay in getting Best to the hospital after the first ambulance was used to transport an officer who was having a 'mild anxiety attack' at the scene.

Why it matters

The case highlights ongoing concerns about police use of force, especially against Black individuals, as well as issues around emergency medical response times and prioritization. The delay in getting Best to the hospital has angered his family, who believe it may have contributed to his death.

The details

According to the report, the first ambulance arrived at the scene at 6:02 pm, about 14 minutes after the shooting. However, at the urging of other officers, that ambulance was used to take away a white police officer, Erin Perrotta, who had been involved in the foot chase with Best. Perrotta was described as 'visibly hysterical (crying and breathing rapidly) and had blood all over her uniform.' The second ambulance arrived at 6:12 pm, and Best was brought to the hospital at 6:22 pm - about 14 minutes after Perrotta had been transported. Best died at 7:41 pm while undergoing treatment for the gunshot wound.

  • The shooting occurred on March 31, 2025.
  • The first ambulance arrived at the scene at 6:02 pm.
  • The second ambulance arrived at the scene at 6:12 pm.
  • Best was brought to the hospital at 6:22 pm.
  • Best died at 7:41 pm.

The players

Dyshan Best

A 39-year-old Black man who was shot and killed by police in Bridgeport, Connecticut.

Erin Perrotta

A white police officer who was involved in the foot chase with Best and took the first ambulance to the hospital, despite being described as 'visibly hysterical' at the scene.

Yoon Heo

The police officer who shot and killed Dyshan Best during the foot chase, after Best allegedly pulled out a gun.

Tatiana Barrett

Dyshan Best's niece, who expressed anger and sadness over the details revealed in the report and believes her uncle could have survived if he was taken to the hospital in the first ambulance.

Darnell Crosland

The lawyer for Dyshan Best's family, who disputed that Best had a gun and claimed he was instead holding a vape pen.

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What they’re saying

“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.”

— Tatiana Barrett, Dyshan Best's niece

“I am fine, I just needed to get out of here.”

— Erin Perrotta, Police officer

What’s next

The Bridgeport Police Department's Internal Affairs Division will conduct its own investigation into the incident.

The takeaway

This case highlights ongoing concerns about police use of force, especially against Black individuals, as well as issues around emergency medical response times and prioritization. It raises questions about whether the delay in getting Dyshan Best to the hospital may have contributed to his death.