Shooting of “General Hospital” actor Johnny Wactor: Police ask public for help in finding three suspects

Los Angeles Police are urging the public to come forward with any information regarding the three unidentified suspects wanted in connection with the killing of former “General Hospital” actor Johnny Wactor.

The 37-year-old actor was shot around 3:25 a.m. Saturday after he finished his shift at a downtown Los Angeles bar and was walking to his car, according to Los Angeles police.

He was confronted by three men who had lifted his car “with a jack and were in the process of stealing the catalytic converter,” police said in a statement.

Wactor’s family and friends said the actor was with a co-worker and immediately stepped in front of her to try to protect her.

“They were wearing a mask and they pulled out a gun,” Wactor’s friend Colin Flynn told ABC News. “And from what I understand, Johnny was literally standing between himself and his colleague. And the shooter just pulled the trigger and ran away.”

Wactor was shot “without provocation,” police said.

“Johnny is just an incredible friend,” Flynn said. “Such a humble, loving, passionate person. He went out of his way to help other people.”

As police search for the three unidentified suspects, Jim McDonnell, former Los Angeles County sheriff and current director of the Safe Communities Institute at the University of Southern California, said investigators should search the area for surveillance cameras.

“At some point (the suspect) put that mask on — when was that? Can you get footage that would show that?” McDonnell told ABC News.

Suspects may also share details of the crime themselves, McDonnell said. After committing a crime, people may feel anxious about their actions or proud of what they did, McDonnell said – and often they share those feelings either with friends or on social media.

“And we hope that in this case, someone will step forward and have the courage to do that – make a call and hold people accountable,” McDonnell said.

The three suspects were wearing dark clothing and driving a dark sedan, police said. The LAPD is asking anyone with information to call 213-996-4142. Anonymous tips can be made to LA Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.

ABC News’ Jason Nathanson contributed to this report.