A Pennsylvania man was hospitalized in critical condition after a fight over allowing one of his alleged attackers — a coworker — to pet his service dog.
The unnamed victim was working at a Jimmy John’s sandwich shop in Pittsburgh when one of his coworkers, Tyree Blue-Murphy, 33, requested to pet his service dog.
According to reports, the conversation escalated into a physical altercation, during which Blue-Murphy and another coworker, Damon Robinson, 31, allegedly attacked and severely beat the employee, resulting in his hospitalization in critical condition.
Allegheny County Jail is currently detaining Blue-Murphy and Robinson without bail, facing felony assault charges.
Police responded to reports of a fight at Jimmy John’s, according to a statement on the City of Pittsburgh’s website.
Upon their arrival, they found the victim had suffered from “assault and severe beaten” injuries and transported him to a local hospital in a critical but stable condition.
Pittsburgh CBS affiliate KDKA reported that they beat, kicked, stomped, and hit him with a bicycle tire.
According to a criminal complaint that Pittsburgh NBC affiliate WPXI obtained, Blue-Murphy initially asked to pet the dog, but he claimed that the victim grabbed his dreadlocks, escalating the altercation.
Robinson reportedly intervened to break up the fight, but the victim also hit him, prompting him to tell police that he responded by hitting the victim.
Surveillance cameras obtained by police allegedly showed Blue-Murphy and Robinson attacking the victim while he was already on the ground.
Police found Blue-Murphy and Robinson near the store, reportedly with blood on their clothing. Police arrested them and detained them without bail.
Both men face felony charges for aggravated assault and criminal conspiracy. On December 30, they will both appear in court for a preliminary hearing.
