Sorority Girl’s Smiling Mugshot Goes Viral After Speeding Arrest
A University of Georgia sorority girl’s mugshot has taken the internet by storm after she was arrested for excessive speeding. Lily Stewart, a member of the Alpha Chi Omega sorority, found herself in the custody of the Georgia State Police on March 8th after being pulled over not once, but twice in a matter of minutes for exceeding the maximum speed limits.
According to a police report obtained by Fox News Digital, Stewart was initially stopped for driving 79 mph in a 55 mph zone. The officer issued a citation, but remarkably, just two minutes later, Stewart was pulled over again, this time clocking in at an even higher speed of 84 mph in the same 55 mph zone while driving her 2021 Volvo XC40.
"Given the excessive speeding and recent citation, I initiated another traffic stop," the arresting officer stated in the report. "Upon stopping the vehicle, I instructed Ms. Stewart to exit and placed her under arrest, explaining the reason for the arrest."
The officer further justified the arrest, emphasizing the potential danger Stewart’s reckless driving posed to other motorists. "The arrest of Ms. Stewart was necessary to mitigate the immediate danger posed by her reckless driving. Removing her from the roadway served to prevent further violations and potential accidents, ensuring the safety of other motorists."
While the arrest itself might have been a standard procedure for such a traffic violation, it was Stewart’s reaction to the situation that truly captured the internet’s attention. Her mugshot, featuring a genuine smile, quickly went viral across various social media platforms. The image sparked a flurry of reactions, ranging from amusement to outright support.
Many users found her seemingly unfazed demeanor humorous, with comments like "The only crime here is stealing my heart" and "idc what she did, she’s innocent" flooding the comment sections. Some even went so far as to offer financial assistance, with comments such as "I’ll bail her out. What’s her booking number?" and "Whats her bond and Ill bail her out" showcasing the surprising level of support for the seemingly carefree sorority girl.
Stewart herself acknowledged the viral sensation, taking to TikTok to share the mugshot and some of the most outlandish comments she had received. She captioned the video with "You know her bond was posted before she got to the jail," highlighting the rapid response to her situation. One user even quipped, "They done locked up miss America," further emphasizing the unexpected fame surrounding her arrest.
In an interview with TMZ, Stewart revealed that she was en route to a friend’s birthday party when the traffic stops occurred. She expressed surprise at being arrested for speeding, admitting, "I had no idea you could get arrested for speeding." She also mentioned that she has been recognized on campus since the incident, though she has no intention of leveraging the situation for further fame.
Stewart shared an interesting anecdote about her experience with the arresting officer. She stated that after the initial sternness, the officer became "actually kind of nice" during the drive to the jail. "On the way to the jail, he put on his playlist, and we listened to ‘Walking on a Dream’ by ‘We the People.’ It was actually kind of funny and I started to relax at that point," she recalled.
Describing her booking experience at the jail, Stewart called it "the craziest experience she had ever seen." She added, "I paid my bond, got my mugshot, and another officer drove me to the tow yard where they took my car. It was definitely an experience and never experienced anything like that, hopefully never again."
The story of Lily Stewart’s smiling mugshot highlights the unpredictable nature of viral fame. What began as a routine traffic stop escalated into a widespread internet phenomenon, turning an ordinary individual into a momentary celebrity. While the legal ramifications of her speeding violations remain to be seen, Stewart’s lighthearted approach to the situation has undoubtedly resonated with a large audience, transforming her mugshot into a symbol of unexpected internet stardom. Her case serves as a reminder of how quickly a single image can capture the attention of the online world and spark a diverse range of reactions, from amusement to unwavering support. The incident also raises questions about the potential consequences, both positive and negative, of such sudden fame and the responsibility that comes with it. Whether Stewart chooses to embrace her newfound recognition or prefers to fade back into obscurity, her smiling mugshot will undoubtedly remain a memorable example of the internet’s unique ability to transform the ordinary into the extraordinary.