Tyshaun Watson, Secaucus, N.J man arrested after beating NYC Pizza worker, Zakaira El Sherief along with his pit bull savagely mauling employee after asking the dog be put back on its leash.
A Manhattan pizzeria worker is clinging to life after he was pummeled by a customer and viciously mauled by the attacker’s pit bull during an argument over the dog being unleashed in the shop late Monday.
Zakaira El Sherief, the pizza employee at Roma Pizzeria remained in critical condition Tuesday as the pit bull’s owner Tyshaun Watson, 35, was charged with attempted murder after beating the Pizza store manager, cops said.
The victim was inside Roma Pizzeria on Fifth Avenue near East 19th Street in NYC‘s Flatiron District, when Watson walked in with his dog, the nydailynews reported.
Heated argument over unleashed pit bull inside store
The two men got into a heated argument over the dog, with the worker asking the animal be put back on a leash or go outside. That’s when Watson is alleged to have gone into a rage, kicking and punching the worker, EyeWitness News reported.
Soon after the pit bull joined the melee, biting the employee multiple times, cops said.
Police say the victim escaped out of the store, followed by Watson, who continue to kick and punch him, knocking him unconscious. His dog also kept biting the victim.
Cops were called to the scene and found the manager on the ground suffering from multiple dog bites, NYPD officials said.
Prior arrest and bond
The victim was taken to Bellevue Hospital, where he was listed in critical condition, cops said.
He was intubated and unconscious Tuesday morning, sources told the nypost.
Watson of Secaucus, N.J, a National Guard member and hospitality worker, was charged with attempted murder and assault with attempt to cause disfigurement or dismemberment, police said.
The New Jersey man has only one prior arrest in NYC — for criminal possession of stolen property in 2008 according to police sources.
The dog, named Joe, was not hurt and was brought to Animal Care Centers of NYC where he is undergoing a 10-day rabies observation hold.
During a Thursday court appearance, Watson was remanded held on $250,000 cash/$500,000 insurance or partially secured bond.
Come Thursday, Zakaira El Sherief remained comatose and hooked to a respirator in the wake of the attack.
