A Pennsylvania man is in critical condition following a violent altercation that began over a request to pet his service dog. The incident occurred at a Jimmy John’s sandwich shop in Pittsburgh where the victim was employed. His co-worker, 33-year-old Tyree Blue-Murphy, reportedly initiated the dispute when he asked to pet the service dog. The disagreement escalated into a physical confrontation, with Blue-Murphy and another co-worker, 31-year-old Damon Robinson, allegedly assaulting the victim to the point of hospitalization.
The severity of the attack led to the victim being admitted to the hospital in critical condition. Both Blue-Murphy and Robinson are now facing felony assault charges and are currently detained at the Allegheny County Jail without bail.
According to a statement on the City of Pittsburgh’s website, police were called to the scene following reports of a fight at the sandwich shop. Upon arrival, they discovered the victim in a severely beaten state and arranged for his immediate transportation to a local hospital. Local CBS affiliate KDKA reported that the victim had been kicked, stomped, and struck with a bicycle tire.
Blue-Murphy, who initially requested to pet the service dog, claimed that the victim grabbed his dreadlocks, which is when the situation turned violent, as per a criminal complaint obtained by Pittsburgh NBC affiliate WPXI. Robinson reportedly intervened to stop the fight but claimed he was hit by the victim, prompting him to retaliate.
Police surveillance footage allegedly showed Blue-Murphy and Robinson continuing their assault on the victim even after he had fallen to the ground. The two men were later found near the store, with what appeared to be blood on their clothing. They were subsequently arrested and held without bail.
Both Blue-Murphy and Robinson are facing felony charges of aggravated assault and criminal conspiracy. They are scheduled to appear in court for a preliminary hearing on December 30.