Lake Worth Beach deputy criticized after bodycam shows him ticketing driver with no right hand; distracted‑driving citation later dismissed
A Palm Beach County deputy in Lake Worth Beach drew online backlash after bodycam footage showed him ticketing Kathleen Thomas for holding a phone — despite her visibly missing right hand; the distracted‑driving citation was later dismissed.
- Bodycam footage captured the February traffic stop and the exchange that went viral, showing Thomas visibly missing her right hand.
- The deputy issued a citation for holding a phone but the ticket was dismissed after an internal review of statutes and citation‑software labeling.
- Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office cited statutory wording and software labeling as factors in the dismissal and emphasized officers rely on real‑time observations.
- Public reaction raised questions about officer judgment, training, and handling of motorists with visible disabilities.
Main content
What happened on the roadside
Bodycam video released this week shows a February traffic stop in Lake Worth Beach during a distracted‑driving enforcement operation. The driver, Kathleen Thomas, 36, was stopped after the deputy said he saw her “holding the phone with your right hand, manipulating that phone.” When asked, Thomas lifted her right arm — which ends at the forearm — to show she could not have held a phone in that hand.
The exchange is tense and sharp in places but also shows moments of levity: Thomas laughed and suggested they “call this a day.” The deputy initially said, “I thought I saw your hand,” then after the demonstration added, “With the right hand, perhaps not.” When pressed about the other hand, Thomas replied “Hand to God” and raised her left arm. Despite the on‑camera demonstration that she lacks a right hand, the deputy issued a citation.
See the bodycam footage (video 1) and additional bodycam footage (video 2) released with reporting.
Why the citation was dismissed
Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Teri Barbera said the deputy initiated the stop based on his real‑time visual observation, as required by department policy. After a review of Florida statutes and the totality of circumstances, and because of what the office described as “a lack of clarity on how violations are labeled in our citation software,” the citation was dismissed.
Barbera cited differences in wording between Florida Statutes 316.305 and 316.306 and labeling issues in citation software as contributing factors.
The office also noted motorists have the right to contest citations in court; in this case the citation was dismissed at the deputy’s request ahead of a scheduled hearing.
Bodycam video and the public reaction
Clips of the exchange spread quickly online. Many viewers criticized the deputy for continuing the stop after Thomas proved she lacked a right hand, calling the encounter an example of poor judgment and an unwillingness to accept clear evidence at the scene. Supporters of the department emphasized that officers must make split‑second decisions based on observations.
Bodycam footage in this incident served both roles: documenting the deputy’s decision to initiate the stop and exposing the continued interaction after the demonstration — the latter drawing the most public scrutiny.
Legal context: statutes and software
Barbera pointed to Florida’s wireless communication laws — chiefly Florida Statutes 316.305 and 316.306 — in explaining the dismissal. The department said differences in statutory wording and how violations are labeled in its citation software contributed to the review outcome. This highlights how administrative tools and form labels can shape enforcement outcomes.
Who is the deputy
Footage identifies the officer on camera as Deputy Gazal, but the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office did not name him in subsequent public statements and has not announced any discipline beyond the dismissal of the ticket. The agency’s public response focused on legal review and procedural issues rather than personnel action.
Accountability and broader debates
The case intersects broader debates about policing: supporters note the need for active distracted‑driving enforcement to keep roads safe, while critics emphasize officers must accept clear evidence at the scene and avoid unnecessary escalation. Bodycam video intensifies scrutiny, demonstrating both proper procedure and potential errors.
Takeaway: training, clearer citation software labels, and guidance on handling stops involving visible disabilities could reduce similar incidents and protect public trust.
Implications for Huntington Beach, California
Although this incident occurred in Florida, it has local relevance in Huntington Beach and Orange County where taxpayers and conservative voters prioritize efficient use of law‑enforcement resources, accountability, and respect for individual dignity. Possible local responses include:
- Auditing citation practices and software for clarity to reduce administrative errors.
- Reinforcing training on assessing real‑time observations versus bodycam evidence.
- Emphasizing sensitivity training for interactions with people who have visible disabilities.
Practical advice for drivers: you may contest tickets in court and request reviews when citations appear incorrect. For officers: ensure citation tools and labels are clear and be prepared to end stops when evidence contradicts initial observations.
Sources and footage
- Full bodycam footage and reporting (video 1)
- Full bodycam footage and reporting (video 2)
- Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office statements (as included in released footage)
All original facts, information, and video links preserved from reporting and released bodycam footage.
