Maybe he was trying to put out the ring of fire?

Kingsland, Arkansas is the birthplace of JOHNNY CASH, and there's a new attraction in the town:  You can go there to watch Johnny PEE ALL OVER THE PLACE.

Last week, a water tower in Kingsland sprung a leak, and it went viral online . . . because it features a mural of Johnny, and the leak was in the PERFECT SPOT to make it look like he was PEEING down onto the town.

It wasn't a coincidence.  Some sharpshooter managed to shoot the tank at that exact spot . . . and now the prankster has been caught.

38-year-old Timothy Sled was arrested and charged with criminal mischief and impairing the operation of a vital public utility, which are both FELONIES.  If he's convicted, he's looking at up to 16 years behind bars.  Police are still trying to determine if anyone else was involved.

Kingsland is hoping to get it repaired soon.  City officials estimate that the city is losing an estimated 30,000 gallons of water each day, which is about $200 a day.  It will cost around $5,000 to repair the tank, which is a lot for a small town.

In the meantime, they're saying the water is safe to drink.