In February, a sheriff’s deputy in Lake Worth Beach, Florida, stopped Kathleen Thomas, a 36-year-old woman, for allegedly holding a cellphone in her right hand. Upon approaching her vehicle, he explained the reason behind the traffic stop. However, Thomas revealed she has no right hand, making the claim impossible.
Body camera footage from the encounter shows Thomas humorously responding with her right arm, which holds no phone. The footage gained attention after she posted it on social media. Following the incident, Thomas was due in court, but the deputy requested the citation be dismissed. Court records confirmed this request.
The episode quickly spread on social media, leading to public interest in the traffic stop. Teri Barbera, a spokesperson for the sheriff’s department, stated that motorists can contest citations through the judicial process where facts and evidence are evaluated. The statement did not clarify the specifics of the stop.
During the video, Thomas jokingly asked if they could move on from the events of the day. The deputy stood by his observation, expressing disbelief. Thomas displayed her right arm again. At one point, the deputy questioned if she truly did not have a phone, invoking a higher power for support.
Ultimately, the deputy requested dismissal of the citation due to “lack of evidence.” Thomas later posted online to share the outcome, stating it was already apparent. Known as an adaptive athlete, Thomas informed CBS of her lifelong condition and expressed hope the officer would learn from the incident. She did not reply immediately to requests for comments.
The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office is reportedly reviewing the deputy’s actions. The situation highlights the occasional errors in law enforcement and the importance of clear communication.