LAKE WORTH BEACH, FLA. (THECOUNT) — Kathleen “Katie” Thomas, a Florida woman born without a right hand, became the focus of a viral bodycam video after a Palm Beach County Sheriff’s deputy cited her for allegedly holding a cellphone in her “right hand” during a February traffic stop.
The incident occurred February 11 along North Dixie Highway in Lake Worth Beach, Florida, according to reports and released bodycam footage from the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office.
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Authorities said the deputy initiated the stop after claiming Thomas was operating a cellphone while driving and allegedly manipulating the device with her right hand.
Kathleen Thomas was issued a citation in February after a Palm Beach County Sheriff's deputy pulled her over for allegedly using a phone with her right hand. But Thomas doesn't have a right hand. This week, the officer requested that the citation be dismissed.
Here's bodycam… pic.twitter.com/QmY68bqire
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Bodycam footage shows Thomas immediately raising her right arm to demonstrate that she does not have a right hand.
“Obviously not,” Thomas responded during the stop after the deputy accused her of holding the device.
Despite the apparent misunderstanding, the deputy continued the stop and ultimately issued Thomas a citation under Florida’s handheld wireless device law.
The deputy also repeatedly questioned Thomas about the alleged violation and asked her to swear “hand to God” she was not using the phone while driving, according to the released footage.
Thomas later shared the bodycam footage online, where it quickly spread across TikTok, Instagram and other social media platforms, drawing millions of views and widespread criticism.
Following public attention surrounding the incident, Palm Beach County court records show the citation was dismissed this week at the request of the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office.
The sheriff’s office said the deputy initiated the stop based on his observations at the time but requested dismissal after reviewing the circumstances and applicable statutes.
Thomas later told media outlets she hopes the incident helps normalize awareness surrounding people with limb differences and disabilities.
The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office has not announced any disciplinary action connected to the traffic stop.
Lake Worth Beach is located in Palm Beach County along Florida’s southeastern Atlantic coast.
Google Maps: Lake Worth Beach, Florida
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