A man accused of slapping an American news reporter on the backside while she was reporting live has been arrested and charged with sexual battery

Thomas Callaway is accused of hitting a reporter on the backside as she was reporting on a bridge run in Savannah, Georgia.

He was running in the event.

The incident was caught on camera, and the journalist's reporting was momentarily interrupted by her stunned reaction.

Callaway has apologised.

He turned himself in to police and has been released after paying a bond.