Laguna Beach Auto Shop Owner Accused Of Stealing Client's Cars, Driving Them

LAGUNA BEACH, CA — The owner of a Laguna Beach auto shop was arrested again after he was accused of stealing client's cars, the Laguna Beach Police Department reported.

James Michael Ross was originally arrested on April 18 with charges related to auto theft and embezzlement stemming from six separate LBPD cases, police said. He was released on bail, police said.

On June 19, Ross was arrested again after police received a report of another vehicle stolen by the suspect. LBPD officers immediately investigated and found the vehicle the next day.

Ross was arrested and is currently being held without bail, police said.

Ross owned and operated Laguna Beach Collision Center, previously located at 2147 Laguna Canyon Road, police said.

According to authorities, police learned Ross had stolen numerous vehicles that were brought to him for repairs. Ross then drove the vehicles for his personal use, police said, and stopped contacting the owners of the vehicles.

LBPD detectives urged residents with information about the case to contact the Laguna Beach Police Department at 949-715-0984.

Residents can also provide anonymous tips by dialing 1-855-TIP-OCCS.

No further information was immediately available.