Legendary comedian and car enthusiast Jay Leno has slammed the soft-on-crime approach in Los Angeles after General Hospital star Johnny Wactor was shot dead by catalytic converter thieves.
Wactor, 37, was leaving a side job at a rooftop bar in downtown LA on May 25 when he was confronted by three men trying to steal the converter from his Toyota Prius. The soap star was fatally shot by the masked suspects, who then fled the scene.
Leno told TMZ that the light penalty for catalytic converter theft — a misdemeanor charge and fine of up to $1,000 — is “outrageous” and a “slap on the wrist” that emboldens the thieves. Catalytic converters can be a lucrative target for criminals, with thieves able to make $25 to $1,400 per unit depending on the vehicle.
In California, stealing a converter valued under $950 is considered a misdemeanor, which Leno says is the root of the problem. He noted that car owners who remove their own converter can also face hefty fines, further exacerbating the issue.
California leads the nation in catalytic converter thefts, with nearly 15,000 reported in the last year alone. Certain models like the Toyota Prius, Ford F‑150, and Honda Accord are particularly targeted.
Leno’s scathing comments highlight the need for tougher penalties to deter this growing crime wave in Los Angeles and beyond.
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