A routine traffic stop in Florida quickly turned into one of the internet's most talked aboutpolice encountersafter a deputy accused Kathleen Thomas of holding a phone in a hand she does not have.

The bizarre incident exploded online after bodycam footage revealed the deputy repeatedly insisting he saw the 36 year old using her 'right hand' while driving, despite the fact Thomas was born without her lower right arm. Days later, the citation was officially dismissed, but the moment left millions stunned and sparked a wider conversation about disability awareness and police training.

Kathleen Thomas was driving through Lake Worth Beach, Florida, in February when aPalm Beach County Sheriff's deputy pulled her over for distracted driving. According to the officer, he believed Thomas had been holding her phone in her right hand while behind the wheel.

At first, Thomas thought the situation was simply a misunderstanding. 'I cackled,' she later said while reflecting on the encounter. 'I thought this was going to be funny.'

Bodycam footage later released online showed the deputy repeatedly questioning Thomas about whether she had been using her phone with her right hand. Thomas then revealed her right arm stops at the elbow.

Despite the obvious impossibility of the accusation, the deputy still issued a £86.40 ($116) citation.The footage became even more awkward when the officer asked Thomas to swear 'hand to God' that she had not been using her device. Thomas instinctively raised her right arm before the deputy instructed her to raise her left hand instead.

Thomas later admitted the moment left her unsettled. 'Watching it afterwards, I realised immediately that I felt very uncomfortable,' she explained.

After obtaining the bodycam footage,Thomas uploaded clipsof the encounter onto social media platforms including TikTok and Instagram. The response was immediate.

Millions of viewers watched the exchange, with many expressing disbelief that the citation had even been written.One viral comment read, 'She literally won the case singlehandedly.'

The online attention also brought massive support for Thomas herself, who is known online as an adaptive athlete and influencer. Thousands praised the way she remained calm throughout the interaction despite growing visibly uncomfortable.

Source: International Business Times UK