East Haven Police have arrested James Carangelo, 43, of Warner Road, on several charges stemming from an arson investigatino at his residence. Carangelo was arrested at 6 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 7 as he was released from Yale New Haven Hospital.

According to police, they were called to his residence on Jan. 3 at 6:14 a.m. in response to a report of a possible fire. Upon arrival officers observed a large amount of smoke coming from the home. The East Haven Fire Department also responded. Officers attempted to make contact with the James Carangelo who was the sole occupant at the residence but were unable to due to the amount of smoke.

East Haven Fire personnel pulled Carangelo and a dog from the residence. Carangelo was transported to Yale New Haven Hospital for injuries sustained in teh fire. The dog suffered a gun shot wound to the jaw and was transported to the Central Veterinary Hospital by Officer Vincent Ferrara. A cat died in the fire.

A search warrant for the residence determined the fire to be arson. Police believe that Carangelo started the fire and shot the dog. During the search of the home, police seized some 25 handguns and assault rifles. All weapons were legally owned.

Carangelo has been charged with arson in the first degree, unlawful discharge of a firearm, reckless endangerment, and two counts of cruelty to animals. He was also charged with disorderly conduct stemming froma family dispute that occured on Dec. 31, 2010 in East Haven. During processing Carangelo was charged with two counts of failure to be finger printed after not complying with parts of the booking process. He is being held on a $751,000 bond and is scheduled to be arraigned in court today.