Officer's 'Anxiety Attack' Delayed Ambulance for Man Dying from Police Shooting

State report raises questions about response after Bridgeport police shooting that left Black man dead

Mar. 12, 2026 at 6:18pm

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A newly released state investigation found that a man who was shot by police and later died had to wait 10 extra minutes for an ambulance after an officer involved in the incident took the first ambulance that arrived on the scene due to a 'mild anxiety attack'.

Why it matters

The report raises concerns about the police response and potential racial disparities in how the situation was handled, as the victim, Dyshan Best, was a Black man. The delay in medical care has led the victim's family to believe he could have survived if he was transported to the hospital sooner.

The details

According to the report, the first ambulance arrived at the scene at 6:02 pm, about 14 minutes after the shooting. However, the ambulance was used to transport a white police officer, Erin Perrotta, who was described as 'visibly hysterical' after the incident. 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 shooting occurred on March 31.
  • The first ambulance arrived at the scene at 6:02 pm.
  • The second ambulance arrived at the scene at around 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 by police and later died from his injuries.

Erin Perrotta

A white police officer who was involved in the foot chase and took the first ambulance that arrived on the scene due to a 'mild anxiety attack'.

Yoon Heo

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

Eliot Prescott

The state's inspector general who released the report on the incident.

Tatiana Barrett

Dyshan Best's niece, who expressed anger and sadness over the revelations in 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

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 racial disparities in policing and the need for greater accountability and transparency when it comes to police response and medical care in the aftermath of use-of-force incidents.