A man fatally shot by police had to wait an additional 10 minutes for an ambulance due to an officer experiencing a “mild anxiety attack” taking the first one that arrived at the scene. Dyshan Best, 39, who suffered severe internal injuries, missed the initial chance to be taken to the hospital as paramedics tended to another officer who was emotionally distressed following the pursuit of Mr. Best.
Mr. Best, a truck driver, was shot in the back while fleeing from officers in Bridgeport, Connecticut. A state investigation determined the shooting was justified because Mr. Best was armed and the pursuing officer had legitimate concerns for his safety.
Despite receiving medical attention, Mr. Best succumbed to liver and right kidney injuries less than two hours after the incident. The investigation did not specify if the delay in securing another ambulance impacted the outcome.
In response to these revelations, Mr. Best’s niece expressed heartbreak and a desire for justice, stating, “We want justice for my uncle. We genuinely believe he was unlawfully killed.”
The Bridgeport police spokesperson declined to comment on the situation but mentioned that an internal investigation would be conducted by the department. The first ambulance arrived at the scene 14 minutes after the shooting, with the second one arriving approximately 10 minutes later. Mr. Best arrived at the hospital at 6.22pm, shortly after the emotionally distressed officer was admitted for treatment.
Tragically, Mr. Best passed away at 7.41pm while undergoing treatment for his gunshot wound. The officer who experienced anxiety is currently on administrative leave for an unrelated issue.
The sequence of events unfolded after a 911 call reported a large altercation involving individuals with firearms. Responding officers were directed to two men in a vehicle suspected of carrying a gun. The subsequent encounter led to Mr. Best fleeing from the scene and displaying a weapon during the pursuit.
