Connecticut officer with 'mild anxiety attack' took ambulance meant for man shot by police

A man shot by police in Connecticut tragically died after an officer, experiencing a "mild anxiety attack," took the first ambulance to arrive, causing a 10-minute delay, according to a state investigation.

Dyshan Best, a 39-year-old truck driver, was shot in the back while fleeing from Bridgeport officers with a gun on March 31, 2025, as detailed in a report by the state's inspector general released on Tuesday.

Police were responding to reports of a large brawl involving armed individuals. Officer Erin Perrotta approached an SUV after a witness identified two men, including Best, in the vehicle. Body camera footage showed Best holding alcohol, a vape pen, and a cellphone.

When Perrotta asked Best to exit the vehicle for a pat-down, he fled and brandished a handgun. Officer Yoon Heo, pursuing Best, fired his gun, hitting him once, causing severe internal injuries.

While the investigation deemed the shooting justified, it also revealed that the ambulance called to transport Best to the hospital at 6:02 p.m. was used to transport Perrotta, who had been involved in the pursuit.

Perrotta declined treatment, stating, "I am fine, I just needed to get out of here." Witnesses described her as visibly distraught and covered in blood.

Best was eventually taken to the hospital at 6:12 p.m., arriving 10 minutes later, and succumbed to his injuries over an hour later during treatment for liver and kidney wounds.

The inspector general found the shooting of Best, a black man, justified as he had pointed a gun at Heo during the chase. The report did not definitively link the medical delay to Best's death, though his family believes it may have played a role.

Best's niece, Tatiana Barrett, expressed heartbreak over the situation, suggesting prompt medical attention could have saved him. The family's lawyer disputed claims that Best was armed, contending he held a vape pen.

Inspector General Eliot Prescot confirmed Best was armed based on video evidence. Perrotta is on administrative leave for an unrelated issue, according to a Bridgeport police spokesperson.

The Bridgeport Police Department has been contacted for comment.