[Update: The citation issued against the Florida woman who was stopped for allegedly holding a phone while driving has been dismissed, according to CBS12. Court records confirm the case was dropped following public attention surrounding the incident and viral bodycam footage. The case gained widespread attention online after the driver, who was born without a right hand, challenged the citation in court. Original story below.]
Earlier this year, a Florida woman went viral after receiving a traffic citation for allegedly holding her phone in her right hand, despite being born without one. On Tuesday, the adaptive athlete, known online as Katie, shared an update on the case, including newly released bodycam footage from the officer who issued the citation. She also revealed that she would be heading to the Palm Beach County Courthouse to challenge the ticket.
In the new video, the adaptive athlete provided additional context about the incident, explaining what has unfolded since the traffic stop and sharing new details surrounding the case. Filming from what appears to be her vehicle, Katie says, “So we have court tomorrow for driving with a device in our right hand,” while holding up her right arm, which ends below the wrist. “But, they just sent me the bodycam footage, so I thought you guys might like a little treat before tomorrow.“
The video then cuts to bodycam footage showing the officer exiting his patrol vehicle and approaching Katie, whose car had been pulled over ahead of him. After greeting her, and after explaining the situation to her, you can clearly hear him state, “You drove past me holding the phone with your right hand, manipulating the phone.” Katie then raises her right arm, appearing to show the officer that she does not have a right hand, before laughing.
With a smile, she responds, “So you wanna just call this a day?” However, the officer continues the stop, saying, “I don’t wanna call it a day. You had a hand up, manipulating a phone.” Confused, Katie clarifies, “You just said my right hand. So you didn’t. But you didn’t see me with my right hand.”
The officer continues, saying, “I know what I just said. I’m asking you now: did you or not have your phone in your hand?” Katie responds, “I did not.” When asked to swear “hand to God” that she wasn’t holding her phone, she does so and raises her arm and left hand to emphasize her point. The officer then asks for her driving licence, which is where the footage comes to an end.
Social Media Reactions to the Viral Traffic Stop
The video has sparked a wave of discussion online, with many users expressing support for the adaptive athlete and debating the officer’s handling of the stop. On Reddit, one user criticized the officer’s approach, writing, “The ego. Why couldn’t he just apologize and let her go.” Another commenter focused on the exchange itself, saying, ““Do you want to call it a day.” I love her for this.”
Meanwhile, on TikTok, viewers highlighted the irony of the situation, with one user joking, “She is going to win this case single handedly 😂😂😂😉” A fourth commenter added a more tongue-in-cheek response, writing, “sir it’s okay to be wrong – signed another officer.”
The viral traffic stop continues to draw widespread attention online as discussions unfold across social media platforms. Later today, Katie is expected to appear at the Palm Beach County Courthouse, where the case will proceed in court following the citation and subsequent public response to the incident.
