A New York City pizzeria manager was brutally attacked in 2024 after asking a customer to leave with his dog. The manager suffered serious injuries, including brain bleeding and skull fractures, and was in a coma for two weeks.
Tyshaun Watson, 36, has admitted he was responsible for the attack and pleaded guilty to first-degree assault. He was sentenced to 17 years in prison.
According to the Manhattan District Attorney, the incident happened at Roma Pizza on Fifth Avenue. Watson brought his dog into the restaurant without a leash. The manager told him that dogs were not allowed inside.
The situation got worse when the manager prepared Watson’s pizza to go. Watson became angry and attacked the manager, punching him and tackling him to the ground. Even Watson’s dog bit the victim during the assault.
Another worker tried to help, but Watson also hit him. The attack continued inside and outside the restaurant. Watson choked the manager, threw him to the ground, and continued to punch and kick him, even stomping on his face while the dog bit him.
Police arrived and arrested Watson at the scene. The manager was taken to the hospital with severe injuries.
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg Jr. said that no worker should have to fear for their safety and that his office will prosecute those who harm them.
