Hooters Waitress Flirts With Cop in Viral DUI Arrest Video

SARASOTA, Fla. — A Florida Hooters waitress who went viral for attempting to flirt her way out of a DUI arrest is now warning others not to follow her example. Sophia Ross, 22, was pulled over by Sarasota police in November 2024 after officers suspected her of driving under the influence. Bodycam footage of the incident, which has since gone viral, shows Ross making suggestive comments and calling an officer “daddy” in an attempt to avoid arrest.

“Turn off the lights, we’re going to make out,” Ross is heard saying in the video. “I’ll do anything for you, Daddy.” Despite her efforts, Ross was arrested and charged with DUI. She has pleaded not guilty and is awaiting a pretrial hearing.

The footage also shows Ross pulling up her shirt to reveal her Hooters uniform and repeatedly calling the officer a “nerd” as he attempted to conduct a sobriety test. “Why are you being such a nerd?” she exclaimed before jumping up and down and shouting, “Nerd! Nerd! Nerd!”

Ross, who has been compared to internet sensation Hailey Welch, known as the “Hawk Tuah” girl, said she is flattered by the comparison. “I’ve gotten so many comments saying ‘2025 Hawk Tuah girl’ and ‘Hawk Tuah walked so she could run,'” Ross told reporters. “Honestly, she is a legend. I 100% look up to her.”

Welch gained fame in 2024 after a street interview in which she used a suggestive phrase that went viral. Like Ross, Welch’s candid moment led to widespread recognition and opportunities, including merchandise sales and media appearances.

Ross acknowledged the seriousness of her situation and urged others not to repeat her mistakes. “Drinking and driving is not okay,” she said. “I survived, and I want to be able to give people a testimony of like, ‘don’t be me.'”

Even after being placed in the back of a police car, Ross continued her attempts to charm the officers. “Are you afraid I’ll grab your d*ck?” she asked, prompting the officer to remind her that their interaction was being recorded. “Anything we do is recorded and anyone can see that,” he said. “Mom, dad, grandma, family.”

Ross’s arrest has sparked discussions about the potential for viral moments to lead to sudden internet fame. While some, like Welch, have capitalized on their notoriety, it remains to be seen whether Ross will follow a similar path or if her experience will serve as a cautionary tale.