Man faces attempted murder charge for attacking NYC pizzeria worker: DA

Editor’s note: The video aired on August 20.

MANHATTAN, N.Y. (PIX11) — A man accused of attacking a pizzeria manager in Manhattan last month was charged with attempted murder on Monday, according to Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg.

Tyshaun Watson, 35, of Secaucus, New Jersey, also faces multiple assault charges.

Watson and his dog entered the Roma Pizza at 146 Fifth Ave. on Aug. 19 but became irate when the pizzeria manager told him that his dog was not allowed in the restaurant, according to court documents.

Watson then attacked the manager, punching him multiple times, according to prosecutors. The manager made it outside the restaurant, but Watson continued to attack him until he was unconscious, prosecutors said.

The dog also bit the manager multiple times during the altercation, officials said. After the attack, Watson went back into the pizza shop and sat in the dining area until police arrived and arrested him.

The victim was taken to a hospital with bleeding in his brain and additional injuries. He was in a medically induced coma for approximately two weeks, officials said.

“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,” said Bragg. “My office will continue to hold those accountable who use violence against Manhattan workers. I hope the victim heals from this egregious attack.”

Ben Mitchell is a digital content producer from Vermont who has covered both local and international news since 2021. He joined PIX11 in 2024. See more of his work here .

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