A friend and co-worker of Johnny Wactor has spoken out after he was fatally shot while shielding her during suspected theft.
Wactor was shot while trying to stop a group of three men allegedly attempting to steal his car's catalytic converter last weekend.
The LAPD confirmed the shooting incident took place at around 3am on Saturday morning (25 May) near the intersection of Hope Street and Pico Boulevard.
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Wactor’s talent agent David Shaul also confirmed the tragic news in a statement provided to Variety.
He said: "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.
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"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."
According to his brother, Grant, the actor had thought the three men were there to tow his car, and approached them to try and talk to them.
It was at this point that one of the men then pulled out a gun and pointed it at him.
Wactor was said to have put himself in front of his coworker and fatally shot.
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Now, Anita Joy, who witnessed the terrible ordeal, has recalled what happened on that day.
Taking to Instagram, Joy wrote: "My friend of 8 years went from laughing together, working side by side, leaving our bartending shift and walking to our cars. to him dying in my arms in the streets of DTLA in the dark hours of 3am."
Joy said the incident happened 'in an instant' as she and Wactor approached the people who were supposedly tampering with his car.
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"We cautiously approached the men, questioning what they were doing, at first thinking the car was being towed," she added.
"We were no threat and Johnny kept his cool as he always did, simply stating that it was his car and for them to leave. Hands open to his sides in peace."
Joy continued to say: "As I heard the shot ring into the night, he forcefully tumbled back into my arms. As I grabbed for him, I shouted 'Hunny you ok?!' And he only responded, 'Nope! Shot!'
"We toppled onto the street where I pushed my legs under him and tried to hold his body up while screaming for help and screaming at him to stay with me."
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Joy went on to explain how attempts were made to 'stop the bleeding' but they were unsuccessful.
She added: "It was too close range, too extreme of a wound for him to survive it but my god, he fought to stay. I am utterly heartbroken and so very angry.
"My only peace is that I was with him and this didn't happen to him alone - my only other peace will be seeing these awful men brought to justice."
Topics: Crime, Los Angeles, Film and TV
Callum Jones