Full Breakdown
Investigation Reveals Delays in Ambulance Response After Police Shooting in Bridgeport, Connecticut
3/12/2026, 10:31:49 PM
Core Event: Police Shooting and Subsequent Ambulance Delay
On March 31, 2025, Dyshan Best, a 39-year-old Black man, was shot by Bridgeport Police Officer Yoon Heo during a foot chase. Best was armed with a 9 mm handgun at the time, prompting Heo to use deadly force. Following the shooting, a state investigation revealed that an ambulance arrived at the scene at 6:02 p.m., approximately 14 minutes after the incident, but was diverted to transport Officer Erin Perrotta, who was involved in the chase. This decision delayed Best's transport to the hospital, ultimately contributing to his death at 7:41 p.m.
Background & Context: The Incident Leading to the Shooting
The events leading to the shooting began with a 911 call reporting a brawl involving multiple individuals, some armed. Officers, including Perrotta, approached an SUV where Best was seated. Body camera footage shows Best exiting the vehicle and fleeing as he brandished a firearm. Heo fired twice during the pursuit, striking Best once. The inspector general's report concluded that Heo acted justifiably in self-defense.
Official Statements & Responses
Inspector General Eliot Prescott's report did not determine whether the delay in ambulance response contributed to Best's death. Best's niece, Tatiana Barrett, expressed her family's grief and frustration, stating, "Honestly it's heartbreaking hearing all these details... We want justice for my uncle. We truly believe he was murdered." Bridgeport Police spokesperson Shawnna White declined to comment on the ambulance diversion, noting that the department's Internal Affairs Division would conduct an investigation into the incident.
Criticism & Opposition: Family's Perspective
The family of Dyshan Best has voiced strong opposition to the handling of the situation, particularly regarding the ambulance delay. Barrett emphasized their belief that Best could have survived if he had been transported immediately. The family's attorney, Darnell Crosland, disputed the claim that Best was armed, suggesting he was holding a vape pen instead. However, the inspector general's report confirmed that a handgun was found near Best at the scene.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
There is a discrepancy regarding the circumstances surrounding Best's possession of a firearm. While the inspector general's report states that Best was armed, the family's attorney contends that he was not. Additionally, the report does not clarify whether the delay in ambulance response directly impacted Best's chances of survival.
Verbatim Quotes
- “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, Niece of Dyshan Best
- “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, Inspector General
- “I got shot,” Best said after being wounded. Heo responded, “You pulled a gun on me.” — Body Camera Footage
This investigation into the police shooting and subsequent ambulance delay has raised significant concerns regarding emergency response protocols and the treatment of individuals in critical situations.
