'General Hospital' actor Johnny Wactor fatally shot while suspects stole his catalytic converter

LOS ANGELES (TCD) -- A 37-year-old soap opera actor was shot and killed over the weekend when he caught several suspects allegedly trying to steal the catalytic converter from his car.

According to the Los Angeles Police Department, on Saturday, May 25, at 3:25 a.m., officers received a call about an assault with a deadly weapon and shooting call on the 1200 block of Hope Street in Downtown L.A. When they arrived, they found John Wactor, who went by Johnny, injured from an apparent gunshot wound. Paramedics transported him to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced deceased.

Witnesses reportedly told police that Wactor finished his shift as a bartender and while walking to his car, 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."

Then, "without provocation," one of the suspects shot him.

The three suspects got into a dark sedan and fled following the shooting.

NBC News reports Wactor had been with co-workers before the shooting, and he reportedly thought his car was being towed because he saw it was raised with the floor jack. When he asked one of the suspects about the tow, they shot him.

Wactor’s agent David Shaul told Variety, "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."

Shaul continued, "Our time with Johnny was a privilege we would wish on everyone. He would literally give you the shirt off his back. After over a decade together, he will leave a hole in our hearts forever."

Wactor’s acting credits included playing Brando Corbin in 164 episodes of "General Hospital."