Introduction to the Case
A man has pleaded guilty to two counts of assault in a vicious attack on the manager of a Manhattan pizza place last year that put the victim in a coma and saw him mauled by a dog, prosecutors said Wednesday.
The Plea Deal
Tyshaun Watson, of Secaucus, New Jersey, initially was indicted on attempted murder and other more serious offenses. The plea deal announced Wednesday accepts his assault plea in exchange for a 17-year sentence in state prison and five years of post-release supervision.
The Incident
Watson was accused of beating the Roma Pizza employee inside its location on Fifth Avenue near East 19th Street in the Flatiron District around 10 p.m. on Aug. 19, 2024, court documents said. The then-47-year-old Watson had gone into the shop with his dog, ordered at the counter, then sat in the back to eat.
The Argument
But the manager had told Watson twice his dog was not allowed in the restaurant, sparking an argument between the two, according to court documents. The manager put Watson’s order in a to-go box, but Watson grew infuriated and walked behind the counter.
The Attack
Prosecutors say Watson punched the manager in the head, tackled him to the ground and kept hitting him as his dog bit him. Another worker inside the shop tried to get Watson off the manager, but Watson took a swing at that other employee, officials said.
The Aftermath of the Attack
As the beating continued, the manager was able to get to the front of the counter, pull himself up and run out of the pizzeria. He tried to close the door on Watson, but was unable to, and ended up in a chokehold.
Court documents say Watson threw the victim to the ground and continued his alleged onslaught, punching and kicking the man in the face and stomach, with the dog continuing to bite him as well.
The Final Confrontation
After stomping on the victim’s face two final times as he lay on the sidewalk, Watson went back into the pizza shop with his dog and waited until police arrived at the scene, according to those records.
The Victim’s Injuries
The manager was treated at a hospital for brain bleeding, facial bruising and swelling, facial bone fractures and a traumatic brain injury, prosecutors said. He remained intubated in that medically induced coma for two weeks and spent another six weeks at the hospital undergoing additional treatment.
Statement from the District Attorney
"Tyshaun Watson is facing accountability for viciously attacking a pizzeria manager," Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg said. "This employee, who was just doing his job, suffered significant injuries and had to be placed in a medically induced coma for two weeks. No worker should ever have to fear for their safety."
Conclusion
The case highlights the importance of workplace safety and the need for swift action against violent crimes. The guilty plea and subsequent sentencing of Tyshaun Watson serve as a reminder that such acts of violence will not be tolerated and that justice will be served.
FAQs
Q: What were the charges against Tyshaun Watson?
A: Tyshaun Watson was initially indicted on attempted murder and other serious offenses but pleaded guilty to two counts of assault.
Q: What was the sentence given to Tyshaun Watson?
A: Watson was sentenced to 17 years in state prison and five years of post-release supervision.
Q: What happened to the dog involved in the attack?
A: The dog was taken into police custody at the time of the incident, but its current status is unclear.
