A gripping manhunt is underway in Pennsylvania, sending shockwaves through a small township, closing schools, and leaving residents on edge, as an escaped convicted killer continues to evade capture. The situation escalated dramatically when the fugitive stole a rifle and vanished once more, leaving authorities and the community in a state of high alert.
The Pennsylvania manhunt for Danelo Cavalcante, a 34-year-old convicted killer, has taken a troubling turn. Cavalcante, who escaped from Chester County Prison two weeks ago, has managed to elude hundreds of officers and has continued to evade capture, causing alarm and anxiety in the region.
The latest chapter in this gripping saga unfolded when Cavalcante was spotted on Monday night in Chester County’s South Coventry Township, situated approximately 20 miles north of the prison he broke out of. Shirtless and desperate, he sought refuge in a homeowner’s garage, where he made a fateful decision – he seized a .22-caliber rifle.
Pennsylvania State Police Lt. Col. George Bivens addressed the media in a Tuesday news conference, revealing that the homeowner had resorted to firing his pistol at Cavalcante as he fled. However, there is “no reason to believe” that the fugitive sustained any injuries during the encounter.
Bivens emphasized the seriousness of the situation, stating, “We consider him desperate. We consider him dangerous,” adding, “I would suspect that he’s desperate enough to use that weapon.” This unsettling interaction prompted a massive police response in South Coventry Township, with residents receiving late-night reverse 911 calls instructing them to lock their doors and remain indoors, given the armed fugitive’s presence.
Approximately 500 law enforcement officers, including personnel from the Pennsylvania State Police, FBI, ATF, and the US Marshals, have established a perimeter in the wooded area where they are now intensifying their search for Cavalcante. Bivens cautioned that while every effort is being made, “No perimeter is ever 100% impenetrable.”
Authorities believe that Cavalcante is familiar with the area and may have been there before, further complicating their efforts. The fugitive’s latest sighting has created upheaval in South Coventry Township, a small community with just over 2,600 residents.
The Owen J. Roberts School District chose to close its doors on Tuesday, while neighboring districts moved outdoor activities indoors due to the heightened tensions. Local businesses also felt the impact, with closures and disruptions affecting daily life.
Residents have voiced their concerns about the fugitive potentially taking refuge in homes or businesses, further intensifying the fear gripping the community. As authorities continue their relentless pursuit, there is a growing sense of urgency to bring this unsettling chapter to a close.
Cavalcante’s escape from Chester County Prison on August 31 sent shockwaves through the region. He had been convicted just last month of first-degree murder for the brutal killing of his former girlfriend, 33-year-old Deborah Brandão, whom he stabbed 38 times in front of her two young children in Pennsylvania in April 2021. Following his conviction, Cavalcante’s escape has been marked by a series of evasive maneuvers, including sightings inside homes, van theft, appearance changes, and now, the theft of a firearm.
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro has expressed the belief that authorities have contained the fugitive within a specific area and urged Cavalcante to surrender peacefully.
The theft of the rifle was described as a “crime of opportunity.” Cavalcante’s attempt to evade capture continues to perplex law enforcement agencies, but they remain committed to bringing him to justice. With an ongoing and intensive manhunt, the community remains vigilant, knowing that Cavalcante is considered “armed and extremely dangerous.”
While the search for Danelo Cavalcante unfolds, the Pennsylvania community anxiously awaits closure, hoping for a swift resolution to this gripping saga. Stay tuned for further developments in this evolving story.
Image Source: Google
