Walgreens employee arrested for stabbing shoplifter in San Francisco

A Walgreens employee has been arrested for assaulting a shoplifter in San Francisco. The incident occurred early Wednesday when 30-year-old Larry Whitlock allegedly tried to leave the store without paying. Police say he was confronted by 45-year-old employee Guang Hong outside the store. Surveillance footage shows the two men arguing. After a brief standoff, Whitlock lunged at Hong. In response, Hong reportedly struck Whitlock, causing him to fall to the ground. Records indicate Hong may have kicked him before returning inside the store. Police were called 20 minutes later when a report was made about a stabbing. Whitlock was taken to a nearby hospital with injuries to his eye, which were described as non-life threatening. The weapon used in the incident was reportedly a set of keys. Hong has been charged with assault with a deadly weapon, while Whitlock faces charges of battery and petty theft. Local business leaders have expressed mixed feelings about the incident. Terry Asten Bennet, who operates a nearby store, believes Hong should not have followed the shoplifter outside. Others, like resident Chris Murray, acknowledge the risk that employees face from theft in the area. If convicted, Hong could face up to four years in prison and a $10,000 fine. Whitlock could receive a six-month prison sentence and a $3,000 fine. This incident follows a previous case in 2023 where a security guard at a Walgreens was involved in a fatal shooting of another shoplifter.