Cop With ‘Mild Anxiety Attack’ Took Ambulance Sent for Man Shot by Police: Report

A man who was critically wounded after the police shot him was made to wait about 10 minutes longer for an ambulance after the vehicle was diverted to take an officer who was experiencing a panic attack, according to a report released by officials in Connecticut.

The incident occurred in March 2025 in Bridgeport, Connecticut.

On March 10, 2026, the Office of the Inspector General said the shooting was justified, but raised concerns about the incidents that followed. A state investigation found that after the man was shot in the back, he was critically wounded, but did not receive immediate ambulance transport because the on-site ambulance was used for an officer experiencing anxiety.

The 39-year-old man, Dyshan Best, died after being shot in the back while trying to flee from Bridgeport police. According to the report, Best was armed with a gun when the pursuing officer fired, citing concerns for officer safety.

Best, who was a black man, was left bleeding with severe internal injuries after the shooting. The first ambulance called to transport him to the hospital, arrived at 6:02 p.m., about 14 minutes after Best was shot. However, the ambulance instead transported Bridgeport police officer Erin Perrotta, who was experiencing an anxiety attack following a foot chase.

Paramedics confirmed Perrotta refused treatment inside the ambulance, saying, “I am fine, I just needed to get out of here.” Another officer described Perrotta as “visibly hysterical ( crying and breathing rapidly) and had blood all over her uniform,” according to the report.

A second ambulance arrived at about 6:12 p.m. Hospital records show Best was admitted for treatment at 6:22 p.m., about 14 minutes after Perrotta arrived at the hospital. Best died at about 7:41 p.m. while receiving treatment for the gunshot wound, which damaged his liver and right kidney.

However, the report released by Inspector General Robert Delvin Jr., did not determine whether delay in transporting Best contributed to his death.

According to Associated Press, one of Best’s nieces said the report's findings have angered and saddened family and friends, who believe he might have survived if he had been taken to the hospital in the first ambulance.

“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,” Best’s niece said.