Bay Head Police Capture Suspected Flip-flop Kid

On June 29, we first reported the rash of sandal thefts on Bay Head and Mantoloking beaches.  Police from both towns dubbed the culprit the Flip-flop kid. Now, as the summer comes to a close, it seems like the nightmare may finally be over.

Detective Richard Tracy announced that after months of investigating, the Bay Head Police have apprehended a suspect they believe to be the Flip-flop Kid. “We are confident that we have the right individual in custody. We had received reports of vans in areas where the crimes occurred. Yesterday, an officer approached a parked van near Bridge Avenue with a male suspect who resembled the person drawn by our police sketcher. It was at this time that the suspect drove off and our officers began pursuit. A lengthy chase followed that ended on Route 9 West, when the suspect’s vehicle ran out of gas. The suspect then exited the vehicle and headed for the timber land near Freehold. Our officers continued their pursuit on foot where they finally captured the suspect.”

The police have identified the Flip-flop Kid as Clark Rockport, a retired banker who resides in Mantoloking. Detective Tracy said it was difficult to get any straight answers from Mr. Rockport. When asked if he had taken all the sandals found in his van, Mr. Rockport reportedly said, “Yes, I did. I took them. I mean, no. I didn’t take anything. Wait, I did do it.” Similarly, when the Flip-flop Kid was asked what he intended to do with all of the stolen sandals, the suspect said, “I was going to keep then. No. I was going to sell them. I mean, I was going to give them away. No, keep them.”

Mr. Rockport is being represented by the law firm of Burk and Stock. When asked to comment, Mr. Stock said, “When my client started to converse, he was obviously confused. Frankly, I believe the charges against Mr. Rockport are a croc. He is a respected man in his community. A retired gentleman in his late 70s known for his kind nature and easy spirit. It’s all a big mix-up.”

Detective Tracy disagrees. “We think everything about this case stinks, but we’re sure that Mr. Rockport is the man we’ve been looking for. Often the high-priced defense lawyers have the advantage in these kinds of cases, but this time the shoe is on the other foot!”

It is estimated that the police departments of Mantoloking and Bay Head invested $100 thousand on this case, but Detective Tracy believes it will be worth it to see justice is served. If Clark Rockport is convicted, he will be required to make restitution to all victims, pay a fine of up to $300, and spend as much as 10 days in jail.