MANHATTAN, NY – An employee of Roma Pizzeria in Manhattan is in critical condition after a violent incident where a customer’s pit bull attacked him. Following an argument about the presence of the dog in the pizzeria, the customer, Tyshaun Watson, 35, allegedly assaulted the 50-year-old worker, prompting the dog to attack as well.
The clash occurred late Monday when Watson entered the pizzeria on Fifth Avenue near East 19th Street, accompanied by his dog. Disagreement over the dog’s presence evolved into a physical confrontation, with Watson reportedly assaulting the worker. The pit bull also participated in the assault, biting the staff member several times.
Hospitalized at Bellevue Hospital, the victim was in critical condition and unconscious on Tuesday morning. Watson, a New Jersey resident with a single previous arrest record from 2008, now faces charges of attempted murder in addition to charges of assault with intent to cause disfigurement.
Speaking about the gruesome incident, employee Timmy Moha, 28, said concerns about safety in the area have been rising, especially at night. Although located on the upscale Fifth Avenue, incidents of crime have been reported in nearby locations. However, Moha insisted that they had never encountered such an intense level of violence before.
As police continue to investigate, local residents expressed their shock at the incident. Stephen Sonkin, neighbor to the pizzeria, called it “terrible,” describing the staff at Roma Pizzeria as “really nice guys”.