2 arrested after carjacking in Riverdale, deputies say
RIVERDALE, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) – Two individuals were arrested and two others are wanted following an alleged carjacking incident in Riverdale when they previously asked the victim to pick them up, the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office said.
Deputies say just after 11 p.m. on March 21, they were dispatched to the 2100 block of S. Walnut Avenue in Riverdale for a report of a carjacking. The victim says a group of people he knew needed a ride, so he agreed to pick them up.
According to sheriff’s officials, once he arrived he encountered four people. Two of them, 27-year-old Cecil Love of Hanford and 34-year-old Mercedes Donez of Riverdale approached and assaulted him. The victim escaped this attack and while running away, Donez nearly ran over him with his own vehicle as she and her partner fled the scene.
Deputies say the victim avoided further injury and dialed 911 for help.
On Thursday, sheriff’s officials say they served a search warrant in the Riverdale area. During the search in Riverdale, detectives in Kings County contacted them to let them know that the suspects were seen in Lemoore. Deputies responded to the area of 18th Avenue and Fain Drive in Lemoore and took both into custody.
According to the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office, Mercedes Donez was booked into the Fresno County Jail on suspicion of carjacking, assault with a deadly weapon, possession of a stolen vehicle, and possession of stolen property. Cecil Love is in jail facing alleged charges of carjacking.
This is an ongoing investigation. Sheriff’s officials say two other suspects remain outstanding, and ask anyone who might have any additional information regarding this case to contact them at 559-600-3111.
