(MT. VERNON, IL) – Authorities with the Mt. Vernon Police Department were called to the Huck’s Convenience Store at 3300 Broadway just before 10 p.m. Wednesday to a report of a man abusing a dog. Upon arrival, authorities witnessed a dog that showed evidence of bleeding after allegedly being struck by the man and slammed to the ground.  Arrested was 24 year old Alexander J. Harshbarger of McLeansboro for animal cruelty and on an outstanding Hamilton County warrant for failure to appear on violation of an order of protection.  Harshbarger was transported to the Jefferson County Justice Center for the formal filing of charges.  His bond on the charge as well as the warrant is a combined $4,500.