A severe attack at Roma Pizzeria in Manhattan has left a worker in a critical condition.
According to the New York Post, An employee was brutally beaten and attacked by a customer's pit bull late Monday evening following a dispute over the dog's entry into the establishment.
The incident unfolded at around 10 p.m. on Monday at the pizzeria located in the Flatiron district along Fifth Avenue, a normally peaceful area known for its upscale environment. After informing 35-year-old Tyshaun Watson that pets were not allowed inside the restaurant, a 50-year-old male employee confronted him.
Watson responded vehemently to the news, dragging the worker outside before physically assaulting him. Surveillance cameras installed nearby captured the horrific scenes showing Watson body-slamming, kicking, and punching the victim. Watson's pit bull joined the assault during the aggressive altercation, inflicting multiple bites on the beleaguered pizzeria worker.
The emergency responders quickly transported the victim to Bellevue Hospital, where doctors have kept him unconscious and intubated as he fights for his life in critical condition. Police apprehended Tyshaun Watson shortly after the attack, charging him with attempted murder and assault intending to cause severe physical harm.
During his transfer to court, Watson expressed remorse for his actions. He publicly apologized and sent wishes for a quick recovery to the victim, reiterating that the brutality was not intentional. "My thoughts and prayers go out to the victim. I wish him a speedy recovery," Watson stated, visibly distressed by the events.
Residents are now expressing heightened concerns about safety in the neighborhood, despite its reputation for affluence and civility. Timmy Moha, a friend of the victim, noted the community's shock, mentioning, "We’ve never fought people, never had to fight people. You know it’s Fifth Avenue, it’s a nice area, but the city is not as safe even here."
The NYPD’s 13th Precinct swiftly handled the situation, safely removing the dog in a crate from the scene. This incident has raised questions about pet policies in businesses and the enforcement of public safety in busy neighborhoods.
Stephen Sonkin, a local who frequents the area, expressed his dismay at the rarity of such violence on Fifth Avenue, highlighting the general character of the district. "They’re nice guys that work there. I mean it’s Fifth Avenue, right? So I feel like when I walk down here, everyone’s very civilized, and I never really see many pit bulls walking down the street. So it’s shocking to me," remarked Sonkin.
As the community reels from this violent incident, discussions about safety, pet policies, and their enforcement in public spaces are likely to gain momentum. The local community and the victim’s coworkers eagerly await updates on his condition, hoping for a swift and complete recovery. Meanwhile, Tyshaun Watson awaits his day in court, facing serious charges that could lead to significant prison time if convicted.
The future of pet policies in Manhattan's public establishments and the community's sense of security remains under scrutiny as the city reflects on this brutal event and considers measures to prevent similar incidents.
