Escapee Danelo Cavalcante Apprehended
Danelo Cavalcante, a convict who had managed to evade authorities for two weeks after escaping from Chester County Prison in Pennsylvania, was captured by law enforcement officers. His capture brought relief to the community, which had been on edge due to the manhunt.
Dramatic Capture Operation
Cavalcante, 34, was tracked down by about 25 officers in a wooded area near South Coventry Township. The authorities used thermal imaging from an aircraft to locate his possible whereabouts. When confronted by police, Cavalcante attempted to escape once more by crawling in tall grass with a stolen rifle. A police dog was deployed to subdue him, and he was treated for a bite injury on-site.
Criminal Background
Cavalcante was serving a life sentence for brutally murdering his ex-girlfriend in front of her two children when he escaped from Chester County Prison on August 31. His escape led to a manhunt that had the community on edge.
Relief for Southeastern Pennsylvania
The capture of Cavalcante provided relief to the residents of southeastern Pennsylvania, who had endured sleepless nights while he hid in the woods, broke into homes for food, and evaded capture.
Use of Thermal Imaging
Authorities utilized thermal imaging from an aircraft to locate Cavalcante, who had managed to escape the original search perimeter near the prison.
Capture Details
Following his capture, Cavalcante was transported to a state police barracks in an armored vehicle surrounded by a convoy of vehicles with sirens blaring. He was arraigned on an escape charge, and a preliminary hearing was scheduled for September 27. He would be returned to a state prison to continue serving his life sentence.
Community Cooperation
Residents of Pocopson Township had been advised to stay alert and indoors during the manhunt. The capture marked the end of a two-week ordeal.
Prison Security Enhancements
In response to the escape, Chester County Prison officials made immediate security enhancements, including changes to exercise yards and a review of security procedures.
Escape Details
Cavalcante’s escape involved scaling a fence and navigating razor wire in broad daylight. A prison guard who did not notice or report the escape was subsequently fired.
International Homicide Case
Cavalcante was also wanted in a homicide case in his native country of Brazil. He had managed to flee Brazil in 2017 after killing a student at a food truck stand. The motive for the killing was reportedly related to a financial dispute.
Cavalcante’s capture ended a high-profile manhunt that had kept the community on edge and involved multiple law enforcement agencies.