NEW PORT RICHEY – A carnival ride operator was arrested over the weekend after, police say, he spanked a girl as she got on the ride during Chasco Fiesta.

Nicholas Berg "slapped her on her buttocks" as the girl started to get on a slide in the funhouse at the carnival in Sims Park, a New Port Richey Police report states.

Berg, 28, told an officer he touched the girl on her back, not her buttocks.

New Port Richey Police did not provide the girl's age.

Berg, of Seminole, was arrested on a charge of simple battery. He was released from the Land O'Lakes jail on $500 bail.