LAPD Seeks Public's Help In Johnny Wactor Killing; Suspects At Large

The Los Angeles Police Department is asking the public for tips in the tragic shooting death of General Hospital actor Johnny Wactor on Saturday.

In a news release confirming earlier accounts of the crime, the Los Angeles Police Department said today that, based on witness statements, Wactor had ended his shift as a bartender at a local bar and was walking to his vehicle when “he was confronted by three individuals who had Wactor’s vehicle raised up with a floor jack and were in the process of stealing the catalytic converter.”

“Without provocation, the victim was shot by one of the individuals,” police said. “The three suspects involved were wearing all dark clothing and driving a dark-colored sedan. The suspects fled northbound on Hope Street. Central Bureau Homicide is investigating this case and is requesting the public’s help.”

While the police statement mentions a witness, the LAPD has not confirmed that person’s identity. Wactor’s family has said that the actor was walking a female co-worker to her car and, upon encountering the thieves at Wactor’s car, the actor positioned himself in front of his co-worker just before he was shot.

Per LAPD: When police arrived at the crime scene in the 1200 block of Hope Street downtown at around 3:25 a.m. on May 25, officers found Wactor suffering from a gunshot wound. Officers began to render aid to the victim and requested the response of emergency medical services. Los Angeles Fire Department personnel responded to the scene and transported Wactor to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Anyone with information regarding this case is urged to call LAPD Detectives Gonzales or Martinez at Central Bureau Homicide, at (213) 996-4142. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to (877) LAPD-24-7 (877-527-3247). Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call the LA Regional Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS (800-222-8477) or go to http://www.lacrimestoppers.org.

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