Ive stopped payment many times and have never heard of it being a
criminal matter just a civil ,matter. I dought he has insurance or
lisence or bond. Beat him to the draw and file in small claim on the
insurance issue and check to see if he is really lisenced or your rates
may be affected. If the police are right the fact that you filed will
keep you from being persued by them.

Or talk to your city DA its free . You dont need to pay for legal
advise, it is there, The DAs office will be interested in uninsured
unlisenced contractors as that is a crime. The DA will probably direct
you best, so you can beat him to the correct course of action and your
protection.