Fresno Leader

Deputies with the Fresno County Sheriff’s Property Crimes Unit, the Ag Task Force, and the SWAT team successfully captured two wanted suspects involved in a carjacking incident. The suspects, identified as Cecil Love and Mercedes Donez, were apprehended in Lemoore after a search operation in the Riverdale area.

According to the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office, 34-year-old Mercedes Donez of Riverdale and 27-year-old Cecil Love of Hanford were taken into custody on active arrest warrants. Donez was booked into the Fresno County Jail for charges including carjacking, assault with a deadly weapon, possession of a stolen vehicle, and possession of stolen property. Love is facing a charge of carjacking.

The carjacking incident took place on March 21, 2024, in Riverdale when the victim, who agreed to give a ride to a group of people he knew, was assaulted by Love and Donez. The victim managed to escape the attack, but Donez nearly ran him over with his own vehicle as they fled the scene.

Sheriff's officials have stated that the investigation is ongoing, with two suspects still at large. Anyone with information about the case is urged to contact the Sheriff’s Office at (559) 600-3111 or Crime Stoppers at (559) 498-7867. Callers can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward by referencing case #24-3339.

The capture of the carjackers serves as a successful outcome of coordinated efforts by law enforcement agencies in Fresno County, ensuring the safety and security of the community.