EXCLUSIVE

1:40 PM PT -- Willie has been released from custody on $750 bond.



Willie's brother, Russell, has since tweeted a CONGRATULATORY message to Willie ... writing, "Youre not famous until you have a mug shot congrats Willie @HantzBB lol"



11:17 AM PT -- The Lafayette City Police Department tells TMZ ... cops initially received a call about a fight in a parking lot near a bunch of bars.

When cops arrived, there was no fight ... but there WAS a big crowd. Cops tried to clear the scene ... when they noticed a yellow 2012 Camaro driving toward the back of the parking lot when everybody else was exiting.

Cops say they approached the vehicle ... but before they could get there, Willie swung open the door and started to run. After a "very short pursuit" ... Hantz was apprehended and arrested for OWI.

We're told Hantz refused a breathalyzer and a blood test to determine if he was over the legal limit.

"Big Brother" villain Willie Hantz was arrested on suspicion of drunk driving this morning ... just DAYS after he was kicked out of the "BB" house for attacking one of his co-stars.

According to law enforcement, Hantz was arrested in Lafayette Parish, Louisiana at 2:07 AM for OWI -- operating a vehicle while intoxicated. Hantz is from Louisiana.

Hantz was kicked out of the BB house on July 20 after attempting to headbutt Joe during a heated exchange.

In his mug shot, 34-year-old Hantz is still sporting the mohawk haircut he gave himself while inside the "Big Brother" house.

Hantz is the younger brother of "Survivor" villain Russell Hantz.

Hantz is still in custody.