Manhattan Pizzeria Worker in Critical Condition After Brutal Attack by Pit Bull Owner
Pit bull owners are suspected of stomping on the unconscious victim’s head repeatedly, leaving the pizzeria manager in critical condition. The attack was so severe that a Manhattan Criminal Court judge ruled that prosecutors had good reason to request that the suspect be detained without bond.
Prosecutors disclosed on Wednesday that Tyshaun Watson reportedly put 47-year-old Zakaria El Sherief in a chokehold, stomped his face twice, and left him unconscious in the street. It’s possible the victim won’t make it.
Watson’s attorney requested supervised release without bond during the suspect’s arraignment, but he was told by Judge Simiyon Haniff that the proposal was a “stretch.”
Haniff gave the suspect an explanation for his decision to grant the prosecution’s request for a $500,000 bond.
“Mr. Watson, this is a severe matter, end of story. Nobody should have to go through that, therefore I don’t need to tell you about it, Haniff remarked.
“I understand that what’s happening right now is only claims, but these are significant allegations. This man is seriously ill and in the hospital with an intubation. It surprises me that, given the [victim’s] state at this point, the people aren’t requesting remand.
Watson, 35, is accused of attempted murder and other offenses; he is scheduled to return to court on Friday.
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In the Flatiron District, he pursued El Sherief outside of Roma Pizza, hit him repeatedly, and choked him, Assistant District Attorney Nicole Borczyk testified.
Surveillance video indicates that Watson “forcefully stomps on his face” twice, just as El Sherief appears to lose consciousness, according to Borczyk.
According to Borczyk, “the victim suffered extensive injuries, including brain bleeds and internal bleeding.” “His prognosis is uncertain, and he remains intubated and unresponsive to external stimuli.”
According to a criminal complaint, El Sherief also has facial fractures, bruising, and edema. About 9:55 p.m. on Monday, while he was working the counter at the pizza restaurant on Fifth Ave. near W. 19th St., he got into a fight with Watson, who had come in with the loose dog, according to the police.
The daytime manager of the pizzeria, who wished to remain anonymous, claimed El Sherief had informed Watson that the Health Department had ordered dogs to not be left unattended or inside the establishment. The daytime manager stated that Watson became enraged at that point, moved behind the counter, and started punching the victim.
Workers stated that when the altercation intensified, El Sherief was assaulted by the pit bull as well, and the brawl spread to the street.
Watson’s lawyer, Kristin McAlpin, acknowledged before the judge that her request for supervised release was a “stretch.” She added that her client has a clean record at employment, served in the military, has a solid relationship and home, and has no criminal records in New York.
According to McAlpin, Watson formerly resided with his now 10-year-old kid, whom he continues to support, before moving to Secaucus, New Jersey, with his significant other. Watson has five years of experience in the hospitality industry and works as a senior sales manager for a hotel on Fifth Avenue. He was let go by Apple during the COVID-19 outbreak and was a chemical specialist in the National Guard for ten years, according to her.
According to the attorney, he was arrested for DUI in Virginia before.
About the altercation at the pizza place, McAlpin remarked, “I think alcohol might be a factor in this case.”
Before the incident, Watson shared multiple videos of him and his dog, Dior, a black pit bull, strolling around New York on social media.
The owner, not Dior, was primarily responsible for the victim’s wounds, according to sources.
The dog was sent to Animal Care Centers of NYC, where he is on a 10-day rabies observation hold, without any injuries.
