Owner of a Laguna Beach auto repair shop arrested for stealing customers’ cars

The owner of a Laguna Beach auto repair shop was arrested for allegedly stealing cars from his customers.

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

They say he was previously charged with fraud and grand theft, both of which are criminal offenses, in March.

In April, he was arrested in connection with six cases in which investigators accuse him of stealing several cars that had been 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 regain possession of their vehicles, prompting them to report the crimes to the LBPD.”

On Wednesday, police received another report that Ross stole a customer’s car, which led to 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.