A New Jersey man was indicted Monday for allegedly beating a pizzeria manager nearly to death in the Flatiron District last month, Manhattan D.A. Alvin Bragg said.
Tyshaun Watson, 35, of Secaucus, was charged in Manhattan Supreme Court on Sept. 9 on charges of second-degree attempted murder, two counts of first-degree assault, and two counts of second-degree assault.
“As alleged, Tyshaun Watson brutally attacked a pizzeria manager, almost killing him. No employee should have their life threatened when they are working and serving their community,” Bragg said. “My office will continue to hold those accountable who use violence against Manhattan workers. I hope the victim heals from this egregious attack.”
The incident occurred on Aug. 19 at around 9:45 p.m. when Watson and his dog entered Roma Pizza at 146 Fifth Ave. After placing his order, the defendant sat in the dining area — but he became annoyed after the manager repeatedly told him that his dog was not permitted in the restaurant.
Prosecutors said Watson then walked up to the counter and began arguing with the manager, who put the man’s order in a to-go box.
Things then took a violent, according to court documents, turn when Watson allegedly walked behind the counter and began what would become a prolonged, vicious attack on the pizza worker. He punched the manager’s head, tackled him to the ground and continued to strike him as his dog also went on the attack, according to court documents.
Watson then allegedly punched another restaurant worker who attempted to intervene. The manager, still on the ground and trying to protect himself, was able to head to the front of the counter, where Watson continued the brutal beatdown.
Even after the resilient manager pulled himself, ran out of the shop, and attempted to close the door, prosecutors said Watson would not relent. He put the battered man into a chokehold, threw him to the ground, and pummeled him with punches, court documents describe.
Watson allegedly wrapped up his horrific assault by kicking the victim in the stomach and stomping on his face as he appeared unresponsive on the ground.
When the nightmarish attack was over, Watson went back in the restaurant with his dog, where he stayed until police arrived on scene to arrest him.
Meanwhile, the victim was rushed to Bellevue Hospital, where he was treated for significant bruising and swelling to his face, bleeding in his brain, facial fractures and dog bite wounds. He was intubated and placed in a medically induced coma for approximately two weeks, according to court documents.
