Police Say Ferris Wheel Operator Was Drunk

LEBANON, Ohio – A man who police say was operating a ferris wheel under the influence of alcohol has been arrested and charged with endangering children.

Steven Berry, 47, of Columbus, was arrested Thursday night at the Warren County Fair in southwest Ohio, according to a statement released Friday by the sheriff.

Berry, who is employed by Triple Treat Shows of Cincinnati, remained in the Warren County jail Friday night, with bond set at $1,000, a booking clerk said.

A ride operator alerted deputies that Berry appeared to have been drinking, said Sgt. Tony Workman.

Berry’s blood alcohol level was .114 when he was arrested, and there were children on the ride at the time of the arrest, the release said. The legal limit for driving a car in Ohio is .08.

There was no answer Friday night to calls to the Warren County Fair Board. A message seeking comment was left at the offices of Triple Treat Shows.

Lebanon is about 25 miles northeast of Cincinnati.