A violent incident that took place at a Manhattan pizzeria in August 2024 has concluded in the legal system. Tyshaun Watson, 36, pleaded guilty to first-degree assault in connection with a confrontation with a pizzeria manager that resulted in the victim being placed in a medically induced coma. Watson is scheduled to be sentenced on January 15, 2026, receiving 17 years in state prison followed by five years of post-release supervision.
According to a press release from Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg Jr., the victim was an employee performing his duties and sustained serious injuries during the assault. The incident occurred when Watson, accompanied by his dog, entered Roma Pizza and stayed in the restaurant after being informed that the dog was not permitted.
The disagreement over the presence of the dog escalated when Watson punched and tackled the pizzeria manager, causing the altercation to continue over the counter and onto the sidewalk. When another employee tried to intervene, Watson responded with additional violence.
After the attack, during which Watson's dog also bit the victim, the manager was taken to Bellevue Hospital for treatment. He sustained serious injuries, including facial bruising and swelling, brain bleeding, bone fractures, dog bite wounds, and a traumatic brain injury, and was placed in a medically induced coma for approximately two weeks.
Assistant District Attorney Nicole Borczyk, under the supervision of Assistant D.A.s Alfred Peterson and David Hammer, and Executive Assistant D.A. Lisa DelPizzo, is handling the prosecution. The District Attorney’s Office credited the NYPD, particularly Detective Christopher Olsen of the 13th Precinct Detective Squad, for Watson’s prompt apprehension. With the guilty plea entered, Watson is scheduled for sentencing in the coming year.
