A Manhattan pizza worker is in a coma after allegedly being punched by an enraged customer and then attacked by the man's dog, outraged co-workers said, saying the suspect's apology was unacceptable.
Zakaria El Shereef was attacked by a pit bull late on Aug. 19 at Roma Pizza, according to police and officials.
At Roma Pizzeria on Saturday, a worker who gave his name as Rodrigo told The Post during the lunch rush that he had heard from a manager who has been visiting employees at the pizzeria since the attack that El Sherif is “still in the hospital” and “in a coma.”
Rodrigo said the brutal assault, caught on CCTV, shocked workers.
Asked how he felt after the incident, he replied: “I didn't feel safe.”
Police and officials said the brutal assault began when El Shereef told a distraught customer that dogs were not allowed inside the store.
The dog's owner, Tyshawn Watson, 35, was charged with attempted murder for allegedly beating the employee, authorities said.
Police said the suspect muttered “I'm sorry” as he was handcuffed.
When asked if his colleagues had accepted Watson's apology for the assault, he replied categorically: “Absolutely not.”
A sign warning customers that dogs are not allowed inside the pizza parlor had been vandalized, but Rodrigo didn't know who had done it.
“Nobody cares. Nobody listens. The sign is here and they took it down,” he said in disgust.
According to sources, El-Sherif tried to chase Watson away after he brought his dog into the Flatiron eatery, and a violent altercation broke out. Police say Watson became enraged and began kicking and punching the employee.
The dog then jumped on the injured worker and bit him multiple times all over his body, according to the video and officials.
Footage of the attack shows Watson returned and kicked the worker in the head several times.
The victim was taken to Bellevue Hospital, where he is intubated, unconscious and in critical condition, sources said.
Police said Watson was charged with attempted murder and assault with intent to injure or mutilate.
“Unfortunately, since August 19th, 2024, Zach has been in the hospital ICU in critical condition with a cerebral hemorrhage and is unable to move the left side of his body,” reads a GoFundMe started to help with El Shereef's medical expenses. The fundraiser has raised $7,010 of its $50,000 goal.
“Zach is a selfless, hard-working man who would give the shirt off his back for you. He is a loving, caring and caring father and husband,” the online plea for help reads.
