Florida Traffic Stop Mistake with Disabled Driver Gains Attention

In Lake Worth Beach, Florida, a surprising traffic stop involving a 36-year-old woman named Kathleen Thomas has gained attention. A sheriff’s deputy stopped Thomas in February, claiming she was holding a cellphone in her right hand while driving. However, this was impossible since Thomas does not have a right hand.

The incident unfolded when Thomas, upon being approached by the deputy, lifted her right arm to reveal she had no hand to hold a phone. Body camera footage shows her responding humorously, “So obviously not.” She later obtained and posted this video on social media, where it quickly spread.

The deputy involved eventually recommended that the traffic citation be dismissed. Court records show that the case was indeed dropped before Thomas was due to appear in court. The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson, Teri Barbera, noted via email, “As with any enforcement action, motorists have the right to contest citations through the judicial process.” She offered no further details about the mishap.

Hand to God, you did not have your phone in your hand?

In the body-camera footage released, the deputy appeared confused and asked for confirmation despite seeing Thomas’s disability. Thomas, embracing the situation with humor, suggested they call off the matter since there was no phone involved.

Justice prevailed as court records confirmed the citation was dropped due to “lack of evidence.” Ms. Thomas, an adaptive athlete, later shared her reflections in another video, expressing hope that the deputy would consider this experience a learning opportunity. She was born without part of her right arm and emphasized this aspect of her life in an interview with CBS.

The incident is under review by the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office. Meanwhile, Thomas did not respond to further requests for comments.

Reporter Mark Walker contributed to this account by providing details on breaking news and cultural coverage.