San Francisco, CA – San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins announced today that her office secured a conviction of Guang Hong (46), after a trial by jury for an assault of man in the Castro. Mr. Hong was convicted of assault with force likely to produce great bodily injury (PC 245(a)(4)).

“I would like to thank the jury for their service in this trial,” said District Attorney Brooke Jenkins. “Although I understand the frustration and anger in the community, violence is unacceptable and only makes matters worse. My office takes all crime seriously and is working in partnership with law enforcement to ensure those who engage in criminal behavior are held accountable and face consequences to protect the safety of the public and to restore the public’s faith in the criminal justice system and the rule of law.”

According to testimony and evidence presented at trial, on March 19, 2025, the victim entered the Walgreens at 498 Castro Street and shoplifted a bottle of shampoo. As he was leaving, the security guard alerted Mr. Hong, the Walgreens manager, of the theft. After a confrontation in the store, Mr. Hong recovered the stolen item and the victim, who was subsequently charged with petty theft (PC 490.2) and battery (PC 242), left the store. After approximately one minute, Mr. Hong noticed that the victim was still outside the store. He confronted the victim again, shouting and pointing with his keys. He then charged at the victim and punched him in the face with a key protruding from his knuckles. Mr. Hong then punched the victim two more times with his keys in his hand and kicked the victim as he fell to the ground.

The case against Mr. Hong was successfully prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Max Draskovich with assistance from District Attorney Investigators Jesus Mendoza, Ted Martin, and Marisa Sullivan. Prosecutors were able to develop a strong case against Mr. Hong based on the work of officers from San Francisco Police Department’s Mission Station.

“Store theft is an important issue, but it does not justify an assault that goes beyond self-defense,” said Assistant District Attorney Max Draskovich. “Mr. Hong’s response went far beyond self-defense, and we are thankful that the jury rightly held him accountable. Justice means upholding the law for everyone, on both sides of the incident.”

Mr. Hong is currently out of custody. Sentencing is scheduled for August 15, 2025.

Court Number: 25005823

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