He's believed to be “one of the most violent criminals in the Stockton area”, but that hasn't stopped Jeremy Meeks from becoming an online superstar.

His mugshot has garnered widespread attention on social media, with the photo drawing over 33,000 likes and more than 10,000 comments, after he was srrested on Wednesday on five weapons charges and a gang charge. Meeks (30) is being held in lieu of $900,000 bail.

One of four men taken into custody, Meeks' mugshot has attracted much publicity – with some commenting that his appearance could lead him to be mistaken for a male model, or commenting that he is too sexy for prison.

No previous arrest photo has garnered so much positive attention since the police department set up the Facebook page in March 2012. Meeks is due to be arraigned on Friday afternoon.