4 people arrested in connection with death of actor Johnny Wactor, LAPD confirms – NBC Los Angeles

Los Angeles Police Department investigators have arrested four people in connection with the death of Johnny Wactor, who was shot in downtown Los Angeles in May, the law enforcement agency confirmed Thursday.

The search warrants led to the arrest of 18-year-old Robert Barceleau of Huntington Park, 18-year-old Leonel Gutierrez and 18-year-old Sergio Estrada of Los Angeles County, and 22-year-old Frank Olano of South Los Angeles.

NewsChopper4 was in the thick of it when the search warrant was executed on Olano's South Los Angeles home Thursday morning.

Scarlett Wactor, the late actor's mother, confirmed to NBC4 that arrests were made on Thursday.

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

“I don't think they would have made the arrest if they didn't feel they had good, compelling evidence,” she said.

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

“You have robbed us of a wonderful person,” said the mother. “We miss him very much.”

Wactor, who held a press conference on Tuesday to criticize public officials, including Los Angeles District Attorney George Gascón, for creating a “criminal-friendly atmosphere,” again appealed to the public to get involved and demand change.

“When they show up for the preliminary hearing, show up. Make sure they know we expect the harshest and most severe punishment,” she said.

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

According to Los Angeles police, the shooting occurred around 3 a.m. near the intersection of Hope Street and Pico Boulevard.

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

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