Overview

• A San Francisco jury found Walgreens manager Guang Hong guilty of assault for repeatedly punching and kicking suspected shoplifter Larry Whitlock during a March 19 confrontation outside the Castro Street store.
• Prosecutors said Hong placed keys between his knuckles and struck Whitlock multiple times in the face before kicking him as he lay on the ground.
• Whitlock stole a bottle of shampoo and was charged with petty theft and battery following the incident.
• Assistant District Attorney Max Draskovich said Hong’s actions exceeded legal self-defense and praised the jury for upholding accountability.
• Hong remains free pending an August 15 sentencing that could shape legal boundaries for employees responding to retail theft.