Walgreens Employee Arrested After Stabbing Alleged Shoplifter (Video)
A Walgreens employee in San Francisco has been arrested on charges of assault with a deadly weapon after allegedly stabbing a suspected shoplifter in the eye.
The incident occurred in the early hours of Wednesday when police responded to a report of a stabbing outside a Walgreens store on Castro Way. Surveillance footage shows 30-year-old Larry Whitlock leaving the store without paying for merchandise, followed by 45-year-old employee Guang Hong, who pursued him onto the street. After a brief confrontation, Hong returned to the store while Whitlock remained outside.
Minutes later, Hong emerged again, and the two exchanged words. The video shows Whitlock lunging at Hong, who then struck Whitlock, causing him to fall to the ground while clutching his face. Hong appeared to kick Whitlock before re-entering the store. Whitlock remained in the area, prompting Hong to come outside once more. The two then walked out of the camera’s view.
Approximately 20 minutes after the initial confrontation, police were called to the scene. Hong was taken into custody, while Whitlock was transported to a hospital before being charged with battery and petty theft. His injuries were described as non-life-threatening. The San Francisco Fire Department later confirmed that Whitlock had been stabbed in the eye, with reports indicating that the weapon used was a set of keys.
Local business leaders and residents have expressed mixed reactions to the incident. Some sympathized with Hong, noting the frequent thefts at the store, while others criticized him for following Whitlock outside. Business owners in the area have reported ongoing struggles with shoplifting and threats from the local homeless population.
The case follows a similar incident in 2023 when a Walgreens security guard shot and killed an alleged shoplifter at another location in San Francisco. The security guard was initially arrested, but charges were later dropped.
If convicted, Hong faces up to four years in prison and a $10,000 fine. Whitlock, who is facing misdemeanor charges, could receive up to six months in jail and a $3,000 fine.
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