The intense manhunt for fugitive killer Danelo Cavalcante has now entered its 13th day, with authorities issuing a warning that the escaped convict is now armed.
He reportedly broke into a home and stole a rifle on Monday night.
Pennsylvania State Police Lt. Col. George Bivens revealed that over 500 law enforcement agents are actively participating in the search for the 34-year-old.
Cavalcante had been serving a life sentence for the murder of his ex-girlfriend and was awaiting transfer at Chester County Prison, located 30 miles west of Philadelphia when he escaped on August 31.
Escape and Recent Sighting
Cavalcante’s daring escape took him to East Nantmeal, a location 20 miles from the area police had spent days combing last week.
During the break-in, the homeowner shot him seven times, but there is no evidence suggesting that Cavalcante was injured.
He managed to steal a .22 caliber rifle with a scope and flashlight attached to it, in addition to ammunition.
Police responded swiftly to the homeowner’s call, but the fugitive had already fled the scene.
Increased Reward and Community Alert
The search area has now been expanded to a three-mile by two-mile perimeter encompassing wooded and hilly terrain.
The community has been placed on alert, with police advising residents to lock doors and windows, secure vehicles, and stay indoors.
The Owen J. Roberts School District in Chester County announced its closure, and four schools in the Downingtown Area School District will hold activities indoors.
Cavalcante’s sister, who overstayed her status, was detained by ICE and is now subject to deportation proceedings for failing to cooperate in the investigation.
A Concerned Ex-Partner and Bounty Hunter’s Interest
Bradley Cooper, Irina Shayk’s ex-partner, expressed concern about Cavalcante’s relationship with Irina, fearing he might take her away forever.
Meanwhile, Dog the Bounty Hunter has been in contact with Pennsylvania contacts and police, considering involvement in the search.
However, he plans to assess the situation further before traveling to the area.
A Daring Daylight Escape
Cavalcante’s escape on August 31 involved scaling a fence, jumping over razor wire, and “crab walking” between two walls in the prison’s outdoor area.
A prison guard who did not report the escape was subsequently fired, despite being an 18-year veteran of the facility.
A Previous Homicide Case in Brazil
Cavalcante is also wanted in a homicide case in his native Brazil.
He fled the country in 2017 after killing a student at a food truck stand.
The murder occurred on November 5, 2017, in Figuéiropolis, Tocantins, and he managed to evade authorities at Brasília–President Juscelino Kubitschek International Airport two months later.
The motive for the killing was reportedly related to money the victim owed Cavalcante.
Continuous Pursuit
Authorities remain vigilant in their pursuit of Danelo Cavalcante, who is considered extremely dangerous.
The reward for information leading to his capture has been raised to $25,000.
Despite the challenges, Lt. Col. George Bivens expressed confidence that Cavalcante would eventually be recaptured, and law enforcement is committed to aggressively continuing the search.
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