LOS ANGELES—A man who allegedly shot and killed his ex-girlfriend’s puppy during an argument earlier this month was arrested Jan. 15, authorities said.

David Sumlin, 32, was taken into custody about 12:10 a.m. Monday, and was held on $50,000 bail, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.

According to a criminal complaint filed on Jan. 8 in Los Angeles federal court, Mr. Sumlin allegedly held a pillow over his ex-girlfriend’s dog and shot a firearm twice into the pillow on Jan. 2 at the victim’s apartment.

Shortly after being shot, the puppy was transported to an animal hospital and died. Law enforcement recovered two spent 9mm caliber shell casings from the crime scene, the complaint stated.

Following the crime, authorities circulated Mr. Sumlin’s name and photo, and sought the public’s help to find him. Police earlier described him as homeless.

The complaint discusses Mr. Sumlin’s extensive criminal history, including multiple felony convictions prohibiting him from possessing firearms and ammunition.