Tyshaun Watson, 36, pleaded guilty to two counts of first-degree assault for a violent Aug. 19, 2024 attack at Roma Pizza in Manhattan that left the manager with brain bleeding, skull fractures and a traumatic brain injury. Surveillance footage shows Watson—and his unleashed dog—assaulting the manager after being told pets were not allowed. The victim spent about two weeks in a medically induced coma and roughly two months hospitalized. Watson was sentenced on Jan. 15, 2026 to 17 years in state prison, plus five years of post-release supervision.
Man Sentenced to 17 Years After Brutal Manhattan Pizzeria Attack Involving Unleashed Dog
Manhattan DASecurity camera footage of Tyshaun Watson, 36, attacking Roma Pizza manager.
A New Jersey man has pleaded guilty to a violent 2024 assault on a Manhattan pizzeria manager that left the victim with severe brain injuries and in a medically induced coma for weeks.
Manhattan DASecurity camera footage of Tyshaun Watson, 36, attacking Roma Pizza manager.
What Happened
According to the Manhattan District Attorney's Office, 36-year-old Tyshaun Watson entered Roma Pizza at 146 Fifth Avenue on Aug. 19, 2024, at about 9:45 p.m. with his unleashed dog. Court records and surveillance footage show the manager telling Watson twice that dogs were not permitted inside the restaurant. After the manager boxed Watson's pizza to go, Watson became enraged, went behind the counter and began physically assaulting the manager.
Manhattan DASecurity camera footage of Tyshaun Watson, 36, attacking Roma Pizza manager.
Sequence Of The Attack
Prosecutors say the footage shows Watson punching the manager in the head, tackling him to the floor and continuing to strike him while the dog bit the victim. Another employee who attempted to intervene was struck and retreated. The assault continued out onto the sidewalk, where Watson forced the door open, put the manager in a chokehold, threw him to the ground, and repeatedly punched and kicked him. The attack left the manager unresponsive on the sidewalk; Watson then returned to the restaurant and sat with his dog until police arrived and arrested him at the scene.
Manhattan DASecurity camera footage of Tyshaun Watson, 36, attacking Roma Pizza manager.
“Tyshaun Watson is facing accountability for viciously attacking a pizzeria manager. This employee, who was just doing his job, suffered significant injuries and had to be placed in a medically induced coma for two weeks,” Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg Jr. said. “No worker should ever have to fear for their safety, and my Office will prosecute those who harm them.”
Injuries And Hospitalization
The manager was rushed to Bellevue Hospital and treated for bleeding on the brain, facial and skull fractures, multiple dog bite wounds and a traumatic brain injury. Prosecutors said he was intubated and kept in a medically induced coma for roughly two weeks and spent about two months hospitalized before beginning recovery.
Legal Outcome
Watson pleaded guilty on Dec. 3, 2025, in New York State Supreme Court to two counts of first-degree assault. Under a plea agreement, he was sentenced on Jan. 15, 2026, to 17 years in state prison, to be followed by five years of post-release supervision.
This case underscores efforts by prosecutors to hold violent offenders accountable and highlights concerns about worker safety in public-facing jobs.
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