Kathleen Thomas, 36, has sparked national attention after she refuted a police officer’s claim during a traffic stop for suspected distracted driving.
According to body camera footage from February 11, a deputy with the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office alleged Thomas was using a wireless communications device in her “right hand.” Thomas responded by raising her right arm and stated, “So obviously not!” The officer persisted, claiming he saw her hand moving with the device. When Thomas clarified she does not have a right hand, the deputy continued questioning whether she had a phone in her hand.
Following the stop, Thomas received a citation for violating Florida’s wireless communications while driving law, carrying a $116 penalty as a first offense. A court hearing scheduled for Tuesday was canceled after the officer requested dismissal of the citation due to “lack of evidence.” Court records confirm the citation was withdrawn at the deputy’s request.
The incident went viral online following Thomas’ social media posts, raising questions about how distracted driving laws are enforced in Florida.