Connecticut Officer Takes Ambulance Meant for Dying Man After Police Shooting

State investigation raises questions about response after Dyshan Best was fatally shot by police

Mar. 12, 2026 at 11:07am

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A newly released state investigation found that a Connecticut police officer having a "mild anxiety attack" took the first ambulance that arrived at the scene after Dyshan Best was shot and fatally wounded by police, causing a 10-minute delay in Best receiving medical care. The report concluded the shooting was justified, but raised questions about the aftermath of the incident.

Why it matters

The report highlights issues around police response and emergency medical care following a police shooting, which can have life-or-death consequences for the injured individual. It also raises concerns about how officers' own wellbeing is prioritized over providing timely medical assistance to a critically injured civilian.

The details

According to the report, the first ambulance arrived 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" at the time. The second ambulance arrived around 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 first ambulance arrived at the scene at 6:02 pm, about 14 minutes after the shooting.
  • The second ambulance arrived at the scene around 6:12 pm.
  • 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.

The players

Dyshan Best

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

Erin Perrotta

A white police officer who was involved in the foot chase with Best and was described as "visibly hysterical" after the shooting.

Yoon Heo

The police officer who shot and killed Best during the foot chase.

Tatiana Barrett

One of Best's nieces, who expressed anger and sadness over the details revealed in the report.

Eliot Prescott

The state's inspector general who conducted the investigation and released the report.

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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

“Based on my office's investigation, I conclude that Officer Heo had a reasonable belief that he was in immediate danger of serious injury or death from Dyshan Best and that it was necessary to use deadly physical force to protect himself.”

— Eliot Prescott, State Inspector General

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 response and emergency medical care following police shootings, and the need for greater accountability and transparency around these critical incidents that can have life-or-death consequences for civilians.