A man fatally shot by law enforcement in Bridgeport, Connecticut, faced a ten-minute delay in receiving medical assistance as a police officer, experiencing mild anxiety, took the first ambulance. Dyshan Best, 39, sustained severe internal injuries and bleeding but missed the initial opportunity to reach the hospital promptly, per a state inquiry. Instead, paramedics attended to Erin Perrotta, who was in a distressed state after a pursuit to apprehend Best.

Best, a truck driver, was shot in the back while evading officers. An official report deemed the shooting justified, citing Best holding a gun and the officer’s concerns for safety during the pursuit. Despite being taken to the hospital, Best succumbed to liver and kidney injuries within hours. The report did not definitively link the ambulance delay to Best’s death.

Reacting to the developments, Best’s niece, Tatiana Barrett, expressed heartbreak and a desire for justice, believing her uncle was unlawfully killed. Bridgeport police spokesperson Shawnna White declined to comment on Perrotta taking the initial ambulance, mentioning an ongoing internal investigation by the department.

The incident unfolded following a 911 call reporting a large altercation involving armed individuals. Upon approaching an SUV based on witness information, Perrotta interacted with Best, who then fled, brandishing a gun during the pursuit.

The first ambulance arrived at the scene 14 minutes after the shooting, with the second following shortly after. Best reached the hospital at 6:22 pm, where he received treatment for the gunshot wound before succumbing at 7:41 pm. The involved officer, treated for anxiety, is presently on administrative leave unrelated to the incident.