4 people arrested in actor Johnny Wactor’s death, LAPD confirms

Investigators with the Los Angeles Police Department arrested four people related to the death of Johnny Wactor, who was fatally shot in downtown Los Angeles in May, the police department confirmed Thursday.

The search warrants led to the arrested of Huntington Park resident, Robert Barceleau, Leonel Gutierrez of Los Angeles County, Sergio Estrada of Los Angeles County, Frank Olano of Inglewood.

Scarlett Wator, the late actor’s mom, had confirmed to NBC4 that arrests had been made Thursday.

“They can’t tell you anything. It’s frustrating but understandable,” Wactor said, explaining the officials with the Los Angeles Police Department thanked her for her patience as the investigation into her son’s death has been underway for nearly three months since the “General Hospital” was gunned down in late May in downtown Los Angeles.

“I feel that they would not have made the arrest, had they not felt like they had good evidence, strong evidence,” she said. 

As her son’s birthday approached on Aug. 31, Wactor remembered her “caring, compassionate” son.

“They robbed us of a wonderful person,” the mother said. “We miss him dearly.”

Wactor, who held a news conference Tuesday to criticize public officials, including Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón, for creating a “pro-criminal atmosphere,” once again pleaded with the public to be involved and demand change.

“When they do come up for the preliminary hearing, show up. Make sure that they know that we expect the strongest, stiffest penalty,” she said.  

Wactor, who died at the age of 37, was shot while trying to stop a group of three men attempting to steal his car’s catalytic converter.

The shooting took place around 3 a.m. near the intersection of Hope Street and Pico Boulevard, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.

Catalytic converters are popular targets for thieves because they are rich in precious metals that can be resold.

Wactor starred on “General Hospital” for two years and appeared in numerous TV shows and films.