Viral bodycam shows Lake Worth Beach deputy ticket woman born without right hand; citation later dismissed
A Palm Beach County deputy in Lake Worth Beach ticketed Kathleen Thomas, born without a right hand, after claiming he saw her hold a phone; bodycam video went viral and the citation was later dismissed amid legal coding questions.
Key takeaways
- Bodycam footage shows the deputy insisting he saw Thomas hold a phone despite her demonstrating she was born without a right hand; clips circulated widely online via two released videos.
- The citation was dismissed after review citing differences between Florida Statutes §316.305 and §316.306 and ambiguity in the sheriff’s office citation software.
- Community concerns include officer training on recognizing disabilities, software and coding clarity, and preserving public trust during enforcement operations.
Main story
What happened on the roadside
Body camera footage captures a February 2024 traffic stop in Lake Worth Beach during a distracted‑driving enforcement operation. The deputy told the driver he had seen her “on your hand” and “a hand up manipulating” a phone while driving. Kathleen Thomas, 36, did not initially argue; she lifted her right arm and laughed, showing the limb ends at the forearm and explaining she was born without a right hand.
The exchange grew tense as the deputy persisted, at one point asking,
“Hand to God, you did not have your phone in your hand?”
Thomas responded, “Hand to God,” and displayed the right arm she said ends at the forearm. The deputy then asked, “Other hand to God,” prompting Thomas to raise her left arm. The deputy briefly appeared to backtrack—saying, “With the right hand, perhaps not,”—but continued the stop and issued a citation.
Video sources: bodycam clip 1 and bodycam clip 2.
Identity of the officer and the citation
In the uncut footage the deputy identifies himself as Deputy Gazal. Coverage and social posts have focused on his continued insistence after Thomas demonstrated her limb difference. The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, via spokesperson Teri Barbera, stressed deputies must base enforcement on real‑time observations and noted motorists may contest citations in court. Barbera added the citation was dismissed after additional review that identified ambiguity in statute selection and how the department’s citation software labels violations.
Why the ticket was dismissed
Barbera said the dismissal was tied to wording differences between two Florida statutes: §316.305 (the texting‑while‑driving law) and §316.306 (wireless communication restrictions in school and work zones). After reviewing the “totality of the circumstances” and how the alleged violation was coded in the sheriff’s office software, the deputy requested the charge be dismissed shortly before a scheduled hearing. Barbera’s statement did not say the deputy admitted error about seeing a phone—only that the charge was dropped based on statute wording and citation labeling.
Legal context: what the statutes cover
Florida Statute §316.305 generally prohibits text messaging and typing on a wireless device while driving, targeting manual typing or digital messaging behaviors and allowing limited exceptions such as navigation use. Florida Statute §316.306 imposes additional wireless device restrictions specifically in school and work zones. Differences in language and scope between the statutes can change how a violation is charged and how a citation must be written; the sheriff’s office pointed to those differences as a factor in the dismissal.
Public reaction and bodycam circulation
The uncut bodycam clip was posted and shared widely on social media and through news outlets. Many viewers reacted with disbelief and criticism of the deputy’s persistence, pointing to the “Hand to God” exchange as evidence of failing to acknowledge an obvious physical condition. Others defended the deputy’s obligation to act on real‑time observations. The viral footage reopened debate over aggressive enforcement versus respectful treatment of motorists, especially those with disabilities.
Sheriff’s office procedures and officer accountability
The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office emphasized deputies receive training to act on what they observe in real time and that post‑stop administrative and judicial review processes exist. The office acknowledged that citation software and how violations are coded can affect outcomes. Available reporting does not indicate any announced internal discipline, reassignment, or other administrative action against Deputy Gazal; the office pointed to the judicial process as the avenue for contesting citations.
Disability, enforcement and community trust
The incident raises questions about how officers assess observations on traffic stops when disabilities are visible. Advocates urge training to better recognize limb differences and to de‑escalate when drivers clearly demonstrate they could not have committed the cited act. From an enforcement perspective, deputies say split‑second on‑road decisions are required and that body cameras provide an objective record. The footage shows the tension between a motorist presenting clear evidence of disability and an officer relying on what he believed he saw while driving.
How motorists can respond if cited
Barbera reiterated motorists have the right to contest citations in court. When issued a ticket, drivers can request a hearing where facts and evidence—including body camera footage—are considered. In this case the deputy requested dismissal before a hearing, but the judicial process remains the standard route to resolve contested citations.
Implications for Paso Robles, California
Though this incident occurred in Florida, local agencies in Paso Robles and San Luis Obispo County may draw practical lessons:
- Review training: Police and sheriff’s staff should ensure officers can recognize visible disabilities and apply de‑escalation practices when a motorist demonstrates a condition that makes the alleged offense impossible.
- Align software and statutes: Ensure ticketing software and citation templates reflect California statutes and local ordinances to prevent technical dismissals tied to coding ambiguities.
- Protect public trust: Conservative communities that value law enforcement also expect accuracy, respect, and efficient use of resources; avoidable mistakes can erode support and merit administrative review.
- Access and transparency: Residents should know how to request body camera footage and how recordings are reviewed and stored locally.
Source material and video links
Full bodycam footage and circulating clips: Full bodycam clip 1 and Full bodycam clip 2.
Reporting note: All facts, quotes, and source video links in this article are drawn from the bodycam footage and public statements released around the incident; the two videos above are the primary source materials circulated publicly.
