'General Hospital' actor Johnny Wactor shot dead confronting catalytic converter thieves
LOS ANGELES - A man who was fatally shot by one of three suspects allegedly trying to steal his vehicle's catalytic converter on the outskirts of downtown Los Angeles has been identified as former "General Hospital" actor Johnny Wactor.
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The incident happened Sunday around 3 a.m. in the area of West Pico Boulevard and South Hope Street, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.
Investigators believe Wactor had ended his bartending shift early Saturday at a bar in the 1200 block of Hope Street and walked to his vehicle where he was confronted by three suspects who had "raised it with a floor jack," police said in a statement.
The suspects were in the process of stealing Wactor’s catalytic converter when "without provocation, the victim was shot by one of the individuals," police said.
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Actor Johnny Wactor is seen in Old City on October 29, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Gilbert Carrasquillo/GC Images)
Wactor, 37, was taken to the hospital where he died from his injuries.
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Wactor has appeared in "Westworld," "The OA," "NCIS," "Station 19," "Criminal Minds," and "Hollywood Girl, "according to TMZ. He is more widely known for playing Brando Corbin on "General Hospital" from 2020 until 2022.
"Johnny Wactor was a spectacular human being. Not just a talented actor who was committed to his craft but a real moral example to everyone who knew him. Standing for hard work, tenacity and a never-give-up attitude. In the highs and lows of a challenging profession, he always kept his chin up and kept striving for the best he could be," Wactor's agent David Shaul told Variety.
"Our time with Johnny was a privilege we would wish on everyone," he said. "He would literally give you the shirt off his back. After over a decade together, he will leave a hole in our hearts forever."
Police have not yet released any suspect information.
Catalytic converters are popular among thieves because they are easily stolen and contain precious metals including platinum. California accounts for 37% of catalytic converter theft claims nationwide, with about 1,600 reported stolen each month, the Associated Press reports.
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Anyone with information regarding the shooting is urged to call the LAPD's Central Station at 213-486-6606. To remain anonymous, you can call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477 or visit lacrimestoppers.org.