Officer took ambulance meant for dying man after police shooting

Report finds officer having 'mild anxiety attack' delayed medical care for Dyshan Best, who later died from gunshot wound

Mar. 13, 2026 at 1:51pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A newly released state investigation found that Dyshan Best, 39, had to wait 10 extra minutes for an ambulance after a police officer involved in the shooting took the first one that arrived at the scene. Best was shot in the back by an officer last year as he fled from police in Bridgeport, Connecticut. The report said the shooting was justified, but raised questions about the delayed medical response.

Why it matters

This case highlights ongoing concerns about police use of force and the treatment of Black individuals by law enforcement, as well as the importance of timely emergency medical care following police encounters. 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 called to the scene arrived at 6:02 p.m., 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 at 6:12 p.m., and Best was brought to the hospital at 6:22 p.m. - about 14 minutes after Perrotta got to the hospital. Best died at 7:41 p.m. while undergoing treatment for the gunshot wound.

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

The players

Dyshan Best

A 39-year-old Black man who was shot in the back by police as he fled from officers in Bridgeport, Connecticut.

Erin Perrotta

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

Yoon Heo

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

Eliot Prescott

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

Tatiana Barrett

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

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

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 issues of police use of force, racial disparities in law enforcement, and the importance of timely emergency medical care following police encounters. It raises questions about the treatment of individuals by police and the need for greater accountability and transparency in such incidents.