WEST HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) _ A doctor at Hartford Hospital has been charged with pulling a .357-caliber revolver on his estranged wife and threatening to kill her and their children.

Forty-eight-year-old cardiologist Joseph Mitchel of Newington was arraigned Tuesday in Hartford Superior Court on charges including attempted assault and criminal use of a firearm.Police say Mitchel went to a West Hartford home where his wife was staying at about 1 a.m. Saturday and threatened her.

Police say Mitchel went to a West Hartford home where his wife was staying at about 1 a.m. Saturday and threatened her.Mitchel's lawyer says the incident was out of character for him, and his use of prescription drugs and alcohol may have been a factor.

Mitchel's lawyer says the incident was out of character for him, and his use of prescription drugs and alcohol may have been a factor.A judge set bail at $500,000 and ordered house arrest with electronic monitoring if Mitchel posts bond. It wasn't immediately clear if he faces discipline by the hospital.

A judge set bail at $500,000 and ordered house arrest with electronic monitoring if Mitchel posts bond. It wasn't immediately clear if he faces discipline by the hospital.