Secaucus resident charged with attempted murder in NYC pizza attack

SECAUCUS, NJ — A Secaucus resident is facing attempted murder charges after he punched the manager of a Manhattan pizzeria and allowed his pit bull to attack him, according to New York Police Department reports.

The man is Tyshaun Watson, 35, a resident of Secaucus. He was arraigned Monday of this week in Manhattan Supreme Court on charges of attempted second-degree murder, two counts of first-degree assault and two counts of second-degree assault, according to this press release from Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg Jr.

The incident occurred on August 19 at 9:45 p.m.: Watson entered Roma Pizza at 146 5th Avenue with his dog, which media reports say is a pit bull. He ordered pizza at the counter and sat down in the rear dining area to eat.

The manager, a 47-year-old man, told Watson twice that his dog was not allowed in the restaurant. Watson then went to the counter and began arguing with the manager, who then put his pizza in a to-go box, the Manhattan district attorney said.

Watson became angry, went behind the counter, punched the manager in the head, threw him to the ground and continued to beat him while his dog bit him, the prosecutor said.

Another store employee tried to pull Watson away from the manager, but Watson struck the employee, prosecutors said. The manager was able to get up, run out of the pizzeria and try to slam the door in Watson's face.

But Watson pushed open the door, grabbed the manager in a chokehold, threw him to the ground and continued to punch him in the face while his dog bit him.

Watson kicked the victim in the face as he lay unconscious on the ground. Watson also punched him in the stomach and stomped on his face two more times as he stepped onto the concrete sidewalk, the prosecutor said.

Watson then went back into the pizzeria and sat in the dining area with his dog until police arrived and arrested him on the spot.

The New York Post has photos of Watson and the pizzeria manager. It also reports that Watson is a member of the U.S. National Guard. It reports that he works in the restaurant industry.

The manager of Roma Pizza was taken to Bellevue Hospital where he was treated for significant facial bruising and swelling, brain hemorrhage, facial fractures and numerous dog bite wounds. He remained in critical condition for two weeks and was intubated and in an induced coma.

“As alleged, Tyshaun Watson brutally attacked the manager of a pizza restaurant, nearly killing him,” said District Attorney Bragg. “My office will continue to hold accountable those who use violence against workers in Manhattan. I hope the victim recovers from this egregious attack.”

Information about the defendant:
TYSHAUN WATSON
Secaucus, New Jersey
Charged:

• Attempted second-degree murder, a class B felony, one count
• First-degree assault, a class B felony, two counts
• Second-degree assault, a class D felony, two counts