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The 39-year-old, who was shot and killed by Bridgeport police late last month, was buried Monday, April 14, according to a fundraiser created in his memory.
While Best’s character has been scrutinized in the press since his death on March 31, friends say he was a caring man who wanted to make a positive impact. They launched a GoFundMe campaign to help cover funeral costs.
“He cared about local kids, ran Trunk-or-Treat events on Halloween for them, and had plans to build a mentoring program for kids from his neighborhood, one of the city’s most economically strained,” the campaign stated.
The Office of the Inspector General is investigating the shooting.
The incident occurred shortly before 6 p.m. on East Main Street in Bridgeport. Officers responded to reports of a large fight during a gathering related to a funeral. Police had also received a tip that someone inside a nearby black Chevrolet Tahoe might have a gun.
When officers located the SUV in a store parking lot, Bridgeport Officer Erin Perrotta approached the vehicle and opened the passenger door. He told the man inside—identified as Best—that he would be patted down. Best then ran from the car holding a bottle of liquor, according to the police report.
Officers chased him to Kossuth Street and shot him after they said he pulled an object from his pocket that they believed was a gun. Best was struck while running.
Police released body camera footage that captured the chase.
According to the Inspector General’s report, a 9mm pistol was found next to Best’s body.
However, attorney Darnell Crosland announced last week that he intends to sue the Bridgeport Police Department for $40 million, arguing that the video does not conclusively show Best was armed, according to News 12.
Click here for more information on the GoFundMe.
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