A newly released report from Connecticut’s Office of the Inspector General has concluded that a police shooting in Bridgeport was legally justified, but it also raises questions about the emergency medical response that followed the incident.
The report details how the first ambulance dispatched to treat a man shot by police was instead used to transport a police officer from the scene, resulting in a delay before the wounded man was taken to the hospital.
The incident involved Dyshan Best, 39, who was shot by police on March 31 while fleeing from officers. Best later died while undergoing treatment at a hospital.
Shooting Incident
According to the report released Tuesday by Inspector General Eliot Prescott, officers encountered Best during an incident in Bridgeport that led to a foot pursuit.
Investigators reported the following findings:
- Best fled from officers during the encounter.
- Best was holding a firearm while running from police.
- The pursuing officer reported fearing for his safety.
Based on the investigation, Prescott determined that the officer’s use of deadly force met the legal standard for justification under Connecticut law.
Timeline of the Emergency Response
The report provides a detailed timeline of the emergency response that followed the shooting.
Investigators documented:
- The first ambulance arrived at the scene at approximately 6:02 p.m., about 14 minutes after the shooting.
- That ambulance had been dispatched to treat and transport Best.
- Officers at the scene requested that the ambulance instead transport Bridgeport police officer Erin Perrotta.
- Perrotta had been involved in the foot chase prior to the shooting.
According to the report, paramedics documented that Perrotta declined medical treatment after entering the ambulance.
Perrotta reportedly told responders:
“I am fine, I just needed to get out of here.”
Another officer described Perrotta at the scene as:
- “Visibly hysterical (crying and breathing rapidly)”
- Having blood on her uniform
Delay in Transporting the Shooting Victim
Because the first ambulance transported the officer from the scene, Best remained at the location awaiting a second ambulance.
Investigators reported the following timeline:
- A second ambulance arrived at approximately 6:12 p.m..
- Best was transported shortly afterward.
- Hospital records indicate Best arrived at approximately 6:22 p.m..
- Officer Perrotta arrived at the hospital approximately 14 minutes earlier.
Medical records reviewed in the report indicate Best had suffered a gunshot wound that caused significant internal injuries, including damage to his liver and right kidney.
Best died at 7:41 p.m. while undergoing treatment.
Inspector General Findings
The inspector general’s report does not conclude that the delay in ambulance transport contributed to Best’s death.
Investigators stated that the available medical evidence did not determine whether the delay in transportation affected the outcome of Best’s injuries.
The report focused primarily on whether the officer’s use of force met the legal standard, which investigators determined it did.
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Family Reaction
Family members of Dyshan Best expressed anger and grief after learning details contained in the investigative report.
Best’s niece, Tatiana Barrett, told The Associated Press that the family believes the delay in transporting him to the hospital may have reduced his chances of survival.
Barrett stated:
“Honestly it’s heartbreaking hearing all these details.”
She also said:
“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.”
Those statements reflect the views of family members and have not been legally adjudicated.
Police Department Response
A spokesperson for the Bridgeport Police Department, Shawnna White, declined to comment on the decision to transport the officer in the first ambulance.
White confirmed in an email that the department’s Internal Affairs Division will conduct its own investigation into the incident.
White also confirmed that Officer Erin Perrotta is currently on administrative leave related to an unrelated matter, though no additional details were provided.
Additional Parties Contacted
According to reporting, messages seeking comment were sent to several parties connected to the case, including:
- Officer Erin Perrotta
- The office of Bridgeport Mayor Joe Ganim
- Inspector General Eliot Prescott
- The city police union
- Attorney Darnell Crosland, who represents Best’s family
No additional responses from those parties had been reported at the time of publication.
Current Status
- The Connecticut Inspector General ruled the officer’s use of deadly force legally justified.
- Bridgeport Police Internal Affairs has opened a separate investigation into the events following the shooting.
- Officer Erin Perrotta remains on administrative leave due to an unrelated matter.
- No criminal charges have been announced related to the shooting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Was the police shooting ruled justified?
Yes. The Connecticut Inspector General determined the use of deadly force was legally justified because Best was holding a firearm and the pursuing officer reported fearing for his safety.
Why did the shooting victim wait for an ambulance?
The first ambulance that arrived at the scene was used to transport a police officer involved in the foot pursuit. Best was transported by a second ambulance that arrived approximately 10 minutes later.
Did investigators say the delay caused the victim’s death?
No. The report does not conclude that the delay in ambulance transport contributed to Best’s death.
Is the police department conducting a separate investigation?
Yes. The Bridgeport Police Department confirmed that its Internal Affairs Division will review the events that occurred after the shooting.
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