Connecticut police investigate controversial Bridgeport shooting

On March 31 last year, two police officers, Erin Perrotta and Yoon Heo, chased 39-year-old Dyshan Best, a Black man, in Bridgeport, Connecticut. During the chase, Heo shot Best, saying Best had pointed a gun at him. However, the most controversial development is that the first ambulance to arrive at the scene was used to transport Perrotta rather than Best, the Associated Press reported.

A state investigation found that after Best was shot, he had to wait about 10 additional minutes for a second ambulance. The first ambulance at the scene was used to take Perrotta. The report said she was «visibly hysterical,» crying and breathing rapidly. While in the ambulance, she reportedly refused medical treatment and said, «I am fine, I just needed to get out of here.»

A second ambulance arrived at about 6:12 p.m. Best was taken to the hospital and arrived at 6:22 p.m., about 14 minutes after Perrotta had already arrived. Best died at 7:41 p.m. while doctors were treating injuries to his liver and right kidney.

The inspector general’s report did not determine whether the ambulance delay contributed to Best’s death. Bridgeport police spokesperson Shawnna White said the department’s Internal Affairs Division will conduct its own investigation.