MANHATTAN, NY – In what culminated into a violent episode at Roma Pizzeria in Manhattan, a worker was severely injured after being attacked by a customer’s pit bull. The assault reportedly happened after an altercation between the customer, identified as Tyshaun Watson, 35, and the 50-year-old employee regarding the dog’s presence inside the pizzeria.
The dispute escalated rapidly, resulting in Watson violently attacking the worker. Subsequently, the pit bull also attacked, biting the employee multiple times.
The victim was taken to Bellevue Hospital in critical condition, and he was still unconscious as of Tuesday morning. Watson, whose only previous arrest in New York was on a charge of criminal possession of stolen property in 2008, has been charged with attempted murder in addition to assault with the intent of causing disfigurement or dismemberment.
Despite the upscale location of the pizzeria on Fifth Avenue, safety in the neighborhood has been a growing concern, especially in recent times. However, this incident marked a new level of violence for the area.
The local community has expressed shock at the incident, with a neighbor calling it “terrible” and commending the pizzeria’s staff as “really nice guys”. The investigation into the violent event continues.