Laguna Beach auto repair shop owner arrested for stealing customers' cars

A Laguna Beach auto repair shop owner has been arrested for allegedly stealing cars from his customers.

James Michael Ross, 59, owner of the Laguna Beach Collision Center, was arrested Friday and is being held without bail, according to the Laguna Beach Police Department.

They say he was previously charged in March with defrauding another and grand theft, both misdemeanors.

In April, he was arrested in connection with six cases in which investigators allege he stole several cars that were brought to him for repairs.

“Ross then drove these vehicles for his personal use and stopped contacting the owners of the vehicles,” the LBPD statement said. “The owners were unable to contact Ross or repossess their vehicles, prompting them to report the crimes to LBPD.”

On Wednesday, police received another report that Ross had stolen a car from a customer, sparking an investigation.

They found the car the next day and arrested Ross for possession of a stolen vehicle.

Anyone who believes they have additional information or may also be a victim is asked to contact LBPD investigators at (949 715-0984.