Hooters® Waitress' Shocking DUI Arrest
A traffic stop in Sarasota, Florida, took a wild turn when a Hooters® waitress attempted to flirt her way out of a DUI arrest. The November 2024 incident was captured on body-camera footage, now viral, showing Sophia Ross, 22, trying and failing to charm the responding officer.
Erratic Driving Leads to Traffic Stop
According to police reports, Ross was pulled over on Nov. 17, 2024, after exhibiting signs of impaired driving. Authorities allege she stopped at green lights, hit several curbs, and drove in the wrong lane. When officers approached her, they noted she appeared lethargic, smelled of alcohol, slurred her words, and struggled to maintain her balance.
Flirtation Tactics Fall Flat
As the body-camera footage shows, Ross attempted to use flirtation to avoid arrest. At one point as reported by the New York Post, she repeatedly called the officer "daddy" and told him, "I will do anything for you." She even partially removed her sweater to reveal her iconic Hooters tank top, hoping to sway the officer.
However, her advances were met with polite deflections. The officer's response to her bold claim, "I can't keep my hands off of you," was a firm yet amused, "Unfortunately you're gonna have to," as reported by PEOPLE.
When it became clear her charm offensive wasn't working, Ross shifted to mocking the officer, saying "Don't be such a [expletive] nerd, bro." She even mimicked his words, laughing, "I am a nerd," as he warned her that the body-camera footage was being recorded, according to the New York Post.
Blood Alcohol Levels Shock Officers
Ross was ultimately taken into custody when she failed to complete field sobriety tests. A breath alcohol test conducted nearly an hour later showed a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .330, more than four times the legal limit. A second test confirmed a BAC of .318.
Facing Legal Consequences
Ross has been charged with DUI with a blood alcohol level over .15, a serious offense under Florida law. Court records indicate she has pleaded not guilty, and her pretrial hearing was scheduled for January 9.
Ross later appeared in front of a judge on Thursday, Feb. 13, where prosecutors pushed for a 60-day jail sentence. But she was sentenced to a year of probation instead. Along with probation, "she faces random drug tests and 50 hours of community service," as reported by Outkick.
According to her representatives, Ross is relieved to have avoided jail time and is grateful to put the situation behind her. While she may have escaped time behind bars, the real relief is that no one was hurt while she was driving under the influence.
Viral Moment Sparks Conversation
The bodycam footage has gained widespread attention online, sparking a mix of outrage and amusement. While some viewers have found humor in Ross' antics, others have pointed out the seriousness of her alleged actions, particularly the danger posed to herself and others on the road.
As her legal proceedings move forward, the viral video serves as a reminder of the importance of responsible driving, and that no amount of flirtation can excuse dangerous behavior.
References: Fla. Hooters Waitress Tried to Flirt Her Way Out of DUI Arrest, Cops Say — and It Was Captured on Bodycam | Hooters waitress tries coming on to cop to get out of DUI stop, calls him 'nerd' when it doesn't work: bodycam | Hooters Waitress Who Flirted With Officer During DUI Arrest Has Her Day In Court & Is Cashing In On OnlyFans
