Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg Jr. today announced the indictment of TYSHAUN WATSON, 35, for brutally assaulting a 47-year-old pizzeria manager in August 2024. WATSON is charged in a New York State Supreme Court indictment with one count of Attempted Murder in the Second Degree, two counts of Assault in the First Degree, and two counts of Assault in the Second Degree. [1] 

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

According to court documents and statements made on the record in court, on August 19, 2024, at approximately 9:45 p.m., WATSON entered Roma Pizza, located at 146 5th Avenue, with his dog. He ordered pizza at the counter and sat in the back dining area to eat. The manager told WATSON twice that his dog was not allowed in the restaurant. WATSON then walked up to the front counter and began arguing with the manager, who put his pizza in a to-go box. WATSON became irate and walked behind the counter, punched the manager’s head, tackled him to the ground and continued to strike him while his dog bit him. 

Another store employee attempted to get WATSON off the manager, but WATSON took a swing at the employee. 

The manager, while still on the ground, moved in front of the counter where WATSON continued to strike and shout at him. The manager was able to pull himself up, run out of the pizzeria, and attempt to close the door on WATSON. 

WATSON pushed the door open, placed the victim in a chokehold, threw him to the ground, and continued to punch him in the face as the dog bit him. 

WATSON kicked the victim in the face as he appeared unresponsive on the ground.  WATSON punched him in the stomach and stomped on his face two more times against the concrete sidewalk. 

WATSON walked back into the pizza shop and sat in the dining area with his dog until police officers apprehended and arrested him on scene. 

The victim was transported to Bellevue Hospital where he was treated for significant bruising and swelling to his face, bleeding in his brain, facial fractures, and multiple dog bite wounds. He remained intubated and in a medically induced coma for approximately two weeks. 

Assistant D.A. Nicole Borczyk (Trial Bureau 70) is handling the prosecution of this case under the supervision of Assistant D.A. Alfred Peterson (Senior Trial Counsel of Trial Bureau 70), Assistant D.A. David Hammer (Bureau Chief of Trial Bureau 70) and Executive Assistant D.A. Lisa DelPizzo (Chief of the Trial Division). Investigative Analyst Audrey Blumenstock is providing valuable assistance in the case. 

D.A. Bragg thanked the NYPD, particularly Detective Christopher Olsen of the 13th Precinct Detective Squad. 

Defendant Information: 

TYSHAUN WATSON 

Secaucus, NJ 

Charged:

• Attempted Murder in the Second Degree, a class B felony, one count
• Assault in the First Degree, a class B felony, two counts 
• Assault in the Second Degree, a class D felony, two counts

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[1] The charges contained in the indictment are merely allegations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. All factual recitations are derived from documents filed in court and statements made on the record in court.