'Moonshiners' Star Tickle -- ARRESTED for Public Intoxication

Here's a shocker ... "Moonshiners" star Tickle -- who makes a living distilling blindingly high-proof alcohol -- was arrested last week for public intoxication.

Law enforcement tells TMZ, Steven Ray Tickle was popped in Danville, Virginia last Thursday afternoon after a police officer discovered him boozing alone in his car, which was parked at a convenience store parking lot.

According to police, the officer approached the car and smelled alcohol coming from the vehicle.

The officer says he attempted to make arrangements for someone to pick Tickle up and take him home, but to no avail. The officer subsequently placed Tickle under arrest for being drunk in public.