Orange County auto repair shop owner arrested for stealing customers’ cars

The owner of an Orange County auto repair shop was arrested for allegedly stealing his customers’ cars.

The suspect was identified as James Michael Ross, according to Laguna Beach police.

Ross owns the Laguna Beach Collision Center, formerly located at 2147 Laguna Canyon Road.

He is accused of stealing vehicles that were brought to his workshop for repairs, police said.

An investigation revealed that he allegedly used the cars for his personal use and eventually broke off contact with the owners of these vehicles.

The victims were unable to reach Ross or recover their vehicles and reported the theft to police.

On April 18, Ross was arrested for six separate counts of auto theft and embezzlement. He was released on bail.

On June 19, police received a report that Ross had allegedly stolen another customer’s vehicle. Detectives began an investigation and the stolen car was found the next day.

Ross was arrested again, this time for possession of a stolen vehicle. He was booked into the Orange County Jail and is being held without bail.

The thefts remain under investigation.

Investigators are asking any possible victims or anyone with additional information about the case to call Laguna Beach Police at 949-715-0984.

Anonymous tips can be given to OC Crime Stoppers at 1-855-847-6227 or online at occrimestoppers.org.