Tools of My Trade Held Hostage!

I worked under the table as a maintenance technician at an upscale condominium complex for approximately one year. It was required that I supply my own hand tools,
(electrical, plumbing, drywall).

When I put in my notice that I would be leaving, the boss became rather irritated because of our work load. He told me that I had to complete the work that was in progress, I agreed. Upon completion, and my last day I was gathering up my tools. He approached me and asked me what I was doing, I told him I was gathering up my tools, He told me I couldn't do that, and that we had to do it together and that he was too busy at that moment. He told me I had to set up an appointment to return at a time more convienent for him.

My new job had me working out of state weekdays and home on the weekends. He repeatedly refused to return my calls, when I finally got ahold of him by calling from an unfamiliar number he told me that weekends would not work for him because that was his free time.

This has been going on now for almost a year.
Last week I went to speak with him in person and he became very annoyed and said I was trespassing, our conversation became heated and someone called the police.
The cop told me that I was trespassing and that I needed to leave the premises. When I tried to explain to the officer why I was there he replied that it was a civil matter.

Estimated replacement value of my tools is $4,500.00.
I have spent a considerable amount of time trying to resolve this matter. He has repeatidly told me that we need to get this taken care of, and yet on every occasion that we have scheduled to meet, he has cancelled, or failed to show up at all. I need these tools to make a living.

It seems his only reason for keeping my tools is that he doesn't have the time. When we last spoke he said my tools were locked up and only he has the key.

What can I do to get my tools back?
Any advise will be greatly appreciated.

Based on what you say here, you could file suit against them (or at least threaten to do so) in small claims court or in regular court; filing in small claims court is easier and requires no attorney...you could try to collect all of the costs and damages that you suffered due to their behavior.