Bridgeport, CT — The police shooting that killed 39-year-old Dyshan Best has been ruled a homicide, according to a preliminary status report released by the Connecticut Office of the Inspector General.
The report identifies Bridgeport Police Officer Yoon Heo as the officer who used deadly force during the incident. Police Chief Roderick Porter confirmed Friday that Heo has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the ongoing investigation.
According to the Inspector General’s findings, officers Heo and Erin Perrotta responded on March 31 to reports of a large fight near East Main Street. Police were told the altercation was linked to a funeral and that Best, along with another individual in a nearby vehicle, was believed to be armed.
Body camera footage shows officers approaching the vehicle before Best fled on foot. Officers pursued him to a parking lot, attempted to use a taser, and continued the chase. Best then ran into a driveway on Kossuth Street.
The report states that Best “appeared to have a gun in his hand” when Officer Heo discharged his weapon, striking Best twice in the torso. A firearm was recovered near the spot where Best fell, according to the Inspector General’s account.
Emergency medical assistance was provided on-site. Best was transported to Bridgeport Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Police Chief Porter acknowledged the gravity of the incident and confirmed the external oversight now in place. “The Office of the Inspector General has now taken over the investigation,” he said.
“I want to express my deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Dyshan Best,” Porter added. “Any loss of life is a tragedy and I know this situation has deeply affected our entire community.”
The Inspector General’s investigation remains ongoing. No additional information has been released regarding potential charges or disciplinary actions.
