Actor Johnny Wactor, who appeared on “General Hospital," was shot and killed in downtown L.A. while a group of thieves were allegedly trying to steal a catalytic converter.
It happened Saturday near Pico Blvd. and Hope St. around 3:25 a.m., according to the Los Angeles Times.
The 37-year-old, who was working a side gig as a bartender, was walking a female co-worker to her car when he saw three people surrounding his car and thought his car was being towed. Officer Jader Chaves with the LAPD told the L.A. Times that Wactor approached the men when one of them shot him.
Wactor was taken to the hospital where he died.
A woman who lives in the neighborhood told KNX News’ Jon Baird that the area is not a place you want to be at night.
“It's getting worse in the night…because there's a lot of homeless people drinking and everything and there's no police around here,” she said.
Wactor played Brando Corbin on “General Hospital” from 2020 to 2022. A statement was posted on the show’s official Instagram page along with a photo of Wactor.
“The entire General Hospital family is heartbroken to hear of Johnny Wactor’s untimely passing. He was truly one of a kind and a pleasure to work with each and every day,” the caption read. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to his loved ones during this difficult time.”
Anyone with information regarding the shooting was urged to call the LAPD's Central Station at 213-486-6606. Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477 or visit lacrimestoppers.org.
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