BLOTTER: Police reports published Oct. 13

Niagara Falls Police and Investigators from the New York State Insurance Frauds Bureau arrested two men on Friday, October 10, 2008 after a two-month investigation into a case of vehicle insurance fraud.

Peter C. Rocco, 46, 3458 Stevenson Ave., North Tonawanda, and Richard C. Princess, 51, 3251 Sandy Beach Road, Grand Island, were each charged with felony counts of third-degree insurance fraud and third-degree auto stripping.

Rocco, who owns Z Tech Auto Center at 5544 Porter Road., is accused of conspiring with Princess, who was a customer, to get a rid of his 2004 Pontiac Vibe. Princess had reported the vehicle stolen in 2006.

Princess’ insurance company paid off his car loan, while Rocco hid the vehicle at another one of his business locations in the Falls.

Rocco also sold parts off of Princess’ vehicle to unknowing customers of his auto parts business. Police are asking anyone who may have bought parts from the vehicle to contact Detective Pat Stack at 286-4553.