Police: Danelo Cavalcante, escaped Pennsylvania killer, steals van and attempts to contact acquaintances

Massive Manhunt Continues for Escaped Convict Danelo Cavalcante

The search for Danelo Cavalcante, a convicted killer who escaped from a Pennsylvania prison, entered its twelfth day on Monday as authorities struggled to apprehend the fugitive. Cavalcante managed to slip past a police perimeter, steal a van, change his appearance, and attempt to contact past acquaintances, according to authorities. The manhunt took a dramatic turn over the weekend when Cavalcante was spotted more than 20 miles away from the search area, indicating that he had successfully evaded the hundreds of officers scouring the vicinity of Longwood Gardens, approximately 35 miles west of Philadelphia.

Cavalcante’s escape plan unfolded on Saturday evening when he stole a 2020 Ford Transit van just three-quarters of a mile from the search perimeter. He then traveled to the home of an acquaintance in East Pikeland Township, where he was captured on a Ring doorbell camera sporting a clean-shaven look. However, the acquaintance was not home and did not respond to Cavalcante’s attempt to make contact. Undeterred, Cavalcante tried to reach another acquaintance in the Phoenixville area, but once again, the person was not home. A female resident who saw the escaped inmate promptly alerted the police.

Authorities believe that Cavalcante is desperately seeking support and assistance. Pennsylvania State Police Lt. Col. George Bivens emphasized that Cavalcante “needs that support – he doesn’t have it.” The escaped inmate managed to flee Chester County Prison on August 31 by maneuvering between two walls, scaling a fence, and navigating across razor wire. Since then, he has repeatedly evaded capture, causing anxiety in the community and leading to the closure of schools.

All reported sightings of Cavalcante have been in Chester County, where the prison is located. As of Sunday morning, law enforcement did not believe he had left the state, although agencies across the country have been alerted about the manhunt. The search has now shifted to the area near where the stolen van was found in East Nantmeal Township, farther west of Cavalcante’s previous known locations. The abandoned van was discovered behind a barn in a field, indicating that it had run out of gas. The owners of the van were unaware that it had been stolen as the keys had been left inside.

Authorities expressed concerns that Cavalcante may attempt to steal another vehicle to aid in his escape. Bivens urged community members to familiarize themselves with the latest photos of Cavalcante, review their surveillance footage, and secure their homes and vehicles. It was noted that Cavalcante had altered his appearance by shaving his face and was last seen wearing a green hooded sweater.

Efforts to secure the area around Longwood Gardens, where Cavalcante had been spotted previously, faced numerous challenges due to underground tunnels, large drainage ditches, and other unsecured areas. Bivens acknowledged that no perimeter can be 100% secure. While there is no evidence indicating that Cavalcante has obtained a weapon, he is considered extremely dangerous.

Cavalcante’s escape has caused distress for the family of his victim, Deborah Brandão, who he murdered in 2021. They are currently under 24-hour police protection and have barricaded themselves inside their home. Cavalcante’s escape is now under scrutiny, as it went unnoticed by the tower guard on duty at the time. The guard has since been fired.

The manhunt for Cavalcante continues, with Pennsylvania State Police receiving multiple credible sightings of the escaped inmate. Authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant and report any information that may assist in his capture.

Original Story at www.cnn.com – 2023-09-11 04:53:00