Alleged Thrift Store Robbery Ends In Hilarious Mugshot

Every picture has a story. The story behind the hilarious mugshot of Shawn Paul Melonakos is the tale of an alleged thrift store robbery gone bad, a rock wielded as a weapon and a citizen's arrest.

The story began when a man police later identified as Melonakos left the Door of Hope Thrift Store in Texas on Saturday with items from the store that he hadn't paid for, according to the Odessa Police Department.

A man confronted Melonakos about the stolen merchandise and during the exchange, police say Melonakos allegedly picked up a large rock and threatened the man with it.

The man felt threatened and feared for his life, so he "brandished a firearm before firing one round," the police statement said.

That man and another one then chased Melonakos, apprehended him and waited for police to arrive on the scene.

Once officers arrived, Melonakos initially gave police officers a false name; however, his real identity was soon discovered and officers realized he had an arrest warrant out for a parole violation, police said. He was also reportedly in possession of methamphetamine.

Melonakos was charged with second degree robbery, possession of methamphetamine and failure to identify, in addition to his parole violation.

He was taken to Ector County Law Enforcement Center following his arrest and is being held on $34,000 bond, according to the Houston Chronicle.

Jail records show it wasn't Melonakos first run-in with the law. According to the records, he has a string of previous arrests that include assaults, burglary, resisting arrest and possession of drug paraphernalia, among other charges.

[Photo: Odessa Police Department]