Meanwhile in North Carolina . . .

Melinda Reeves (34) was busted shoplifting at a Raleigh area Walmart last week.

She ran from security and headed into the parking lot, but store authorities didn’t see any cars leave and weren’t sure where Melinda went.

Once police arrived on the scene, they looked over the security tapes and noticed the vehicle Melinda arrived in was still sitting in the parking lot.

When they went to take a look at Melinda’s ride, they noticed the trunk was cracked, so they lifted it open —- and found Melinda hiding inside.

. . . but wait, there’s more!

Temps were hitting about 90 degrees outside, making it even hotter in the drunk, so — to stay cool — Melinda poured MOUNTAIN DEW all over herself.

She thought she was slick enough to outsmart authorities, but Melinda put herself in a sticky situation and is now facing charges shoplifting.