Multiple arrests in connection with death of actor Johnny Wactor in downtown LA – San Bernardino Sun

At least two people were arrested Thursday in connection with the killing of former “General Hospital” actor Johnny Wactor. Wactor was shot after he encountered three men downtown who tried to steal the catalytic converter from his parked car.

Los Angeles police had no immediate comment on the reported arrests. Micah Park, a close friend of Wactor, told reporters outside LAPD headquarters that officers called Wactor's mother on Thursday and told her there had been multiple arrests. More details are expected to be released Monday when charges could be filed.

The Los Angeles Times, citing an affidavit in support of a search warrant, reported that police had targeted three suspects in the case – Robert Barceleau, Sergio Estrada and Leonel Gutierrez – whose fingerprints were allegedly found on a car jack they used while trying to steal Wactor's catalytic converter.

Jail records show Barceleau and Gutierrez, both 18, were arrested by the LAPD on Thursday and held on $2 million bail. There was no record of Estrada in the jail system as of Thursday afternoon.

Early Thursday morning, LAPD officers executed search warrants believed to be related to the investigation and general theft of catalytic converters. Television news reports showed officers operating in the area of ​​62nd Street and Wilton Place in South Los Angeles. The Times reported that the investigation was aimed at a specific street gang linked to catalytic converter thefts.

Neighbors told reporters that officers had been distributing informational pamphlets about the Wactor investigation in the neighborhood several days ago, seeking tips. One neighbor told KTLA5 that the individuals in the home targeted by police Thursday morning have long been a problem for the neighborhood and have even stolen catalytic converters from vehicles parked on that street.

Wactor, 37, was shot around 3:30 a.m. on May 25 as he and a co-worker walked to his parked car near Hope Street and Pico Boulevard after finishing his shift as a bartender at the nearby Level 8 bar/restaurant.

According to police, the two encountered a gang of men who were trying to steal the catalytic converter from Wactor's car, and one of them shot Wactor as he approached.

The suspects lifted Wactor's vehicle with a jack and were trying to steal the catalytic converter, police said. Wactor was shot by one of the perpetrators without provocation.

On Tuesday, relatives and friends of Wactor gathered at Los Angeles City Hall to urge anyone with information about his death to come forward.

“Grief is my constant companion,” Wactor's mother Scarlett said on the steps of City Hall. “He promised me he would be here with me today. I can't wish him a happy birthday on August 31st. He would have turned 38. I can't ask him if he's coming home for Christmas. I can't ask him how his day was, if he's going to climb. Because of what these people did, I don't get any of that anymore.”

Last week, the Los Angeles Police Department released surveillance photos of the suspects who allegedly killed Wactor, along with images of a suspected stolen vehicle the suspects are believed to have used to flee.

According to police, the three suspects drove away from the scene in a stolen black 2018 Infiniti Q50 four-door sedan with a tan interior. The suspects, all wearing dark clothing, drove north on Hope Street away from the scene. One of the suspects had a tattoo above his left eye and on his right cheek, police said.

Paramedics took Wactor to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Catalytic converters are a popular target for thieves because they are rich in precious metals that can be resold.

Wactor appeared in nearly 200 episodes of “General Hospital” from 2020 to 2022. His other credits include “Westworld,” “The OA,” “NCIS,” “Station 19,” “Criminal Minds,” and “Hollywood Girl.”

Anyone with information on the suspects is asked to call LAPD dispatch at 213-486-6606. During business hours, LAPD homicide detectives can be reached at 213-996-4143 or 213-996-4173.

Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477 or visit lacrimestoppers.org.

Originally published: August 15, 2024 at 11:00 a.m.