From the Silly news desk

I'm going to make this a regular feature of my blogging along with my Knucklehead of the day award. Here's today's noteworthy news.

Zoo Owner Accused of Locking in Customers
Wed Jul 20, 6:26 PM ET

LITCHFIELD, Conn. - The owner of an exotic animal and petting zoo is facing criminal charges for allegedly locking up a some people. James A. Mazzarelli, 61, of Goshen, has been charged with unlawful restraint, breach of peace and interfering with an officer.

Mazzarelli, the owner of Action Wildlife, was charged with an incident on July 9.

One of the six people locked in the park, Kathleen H. Dickey, of Torrington, called 911 to report her party was stuck in the park, state police said.

Dickey told police Mazzarelli intentionally locked the gates, keeping her from driving their vehicle out of the parking lot. Dickey, two other adults and three children were prohibited from leaving the compound.

When police contacted Mazzarelli, he told them that Dickey and her group failed to pay the admission fee, police said.

Mazzarelli pleaded not guilty to the charges at his arraignment in Bantam Superior Court Monday.