The owner of an exotic animal and petting zoo is facing criminal charges after he allegedly locks up some patrons.

James A. Mazzarelli, 61, owner of Action Wildlife, is charged with unlawful restraint, breach of peace and interfering with an officer after one of six people locked in the park called 911 to report her party was stuck in the park.

Kathleen H. Dickey tells police Mazzarelli purposely locked the gates to keep her from driving off the parking lot; she was accompanied by two other adults and three children.

When police confronted Mazzarelli, he claimed Dickey and company failed to pay the admission fee.

At his arraignment, Mazzarelli pleaded not guilty to the charges.