Just went through this same type of situation this past spring. I have known the owner of the shop for many years and he does show car type work, even though I have seen many very nice cars come out of his shop, I never really knew how he deals in his business nor did I ever speak to any of his clients. I took him my car and gave half up front and signed contract with completion date. Made frequent stops to check on car until one day he's gone and no return calls for 2 weeks. I did call po-po, wanting to get inside to take my car, they said they cannot let me in to just take the car. I called the prosecuting attorney, I was told I will have to sue in civil court to get the car back. The kicker was if something did happen to the car, like stolen or damaged while in his possession I would have to PROVE (as in pictures and appraisals) its worth and sue for that amount. Thankfully he did contact me about 3 weeks later. I had some very nasty words with him and listened to his excuses (turns out he's an addict and went to some clinic for treatment). In the end he was 95% done and I gave him another deadline for the car being done. He went past the second completion date by a week and I was fine with that. He did finish the car I and am very satisfied with the work but I will never take another car to him ever! Unfortunately my relationship with him will never be the same. So there is nothing the po-po can do for you unless you can catch him at the shop and you have the title for the car and proof of payment for the work done so far. I would say to continue digging until you get ahold of him and get the car. I must say I do agree with 4 speed, stop making excuses for the guy and talking him up, he is doing you wrong, period! Even if he is embarrassed about going over the completion date, he needs to man-up and face the music! I know when this happened to me I was beyond pissed. When I first saw him after 3 weeks my first urge was to punch a hole in his head.
