After nearly two weeks on the run, convicted murderer Danelo Cavalcante has been captured by authorities in Chester County, Pennsylvania.[0] The Pennsylvania State Police announced the news on Wednesday morning, bringing an end to a massive manhunt that gripped the community and drew hundreds of law enforcement officials to the area.[1] Cavalcante had made a daring escape from the Chester County jail, “crab-walking” up the walls of a narrow passageway topped with razor wire, then jumping from the roof and fleeing.[2] He had been awaiting transfer to a state prison to serve a life sentence for killing his ex-girlfriend.
Cavalcante's escape was caught on video and gained significant attention. The video showed him skillfully navigating the walls and making his way to freedom. His escape sparked a two-week-long manhunt, during which he was sighted several times in Chester County.[3] He managed to slip through police search perimeters, stole a van, changed his appearance, and even showed up at the doorsteps of people he knew years ago.[1] Throughout the search, encounters with Cavalcante raised alarms as he stole a firearm and other items, making him even more dangerous.[2]
Authorities used various tactics to try to track down Cavalcante. They broadcasted a message from his mother in Portuguese, urging him to surrender peacefully.[4] Police used helicopters and patrol cars to amplify the message in hopes that it would reach him. The search efforts intensified when Cavalcante was spotted 1.5 miles away from the prison in Pocopson Township.[4] He was then sighted in the Longwood Gardens area on multiple occasions.[4]
The capture of Cavalcante involved a team of tactical officers who surrounded him in the woods. The arrest was made possible with the help of a law enforcement K-9 named Yoda, who subdued Cavalcante as he tried to crawl away. The officers were able to approach him safely and take him into custody. Thankfully, there were no injuries to law enforcement officers or anyone else during the capture.
Chester County District Attorney Deb Ryan expressed relief that the nightmare was finally over and commended the hard work of the law enforcement officials involved in the search.[1] Cavalcante now faces a felony escape charge in addition to his previous conviction for the murder of his ex-girlfriend.[5] He is expected to be transferred to a state prison to serve his life sentence.
The capture of Danelo Cavalcante brings closure to a community that had been on edge for two weeks.[6] The successful manhunt and arrest demonstrate the tireless efforts of law enforcement officials in ensuring public safety and bringing dangerous criminals to justice. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of a strong justice system and the dedication of those who work to uphold it.
0. “Pennsylvania prisoner captured after nearly two week manhunt” NBC2 News, 13 Sep. 2023, https://nbc-2.com/news/national-world/2023/09/13/residents-asked-to-stay-indoors-after-escaped-pennsylvania-killer-is-spotted-again-and-police-say-he-is-armed
1. “Escaped Pennsylvania killer Danilo Cavalcante taken into custody after he was subdued by a police dog” Boston News, Weather, Sports | WHDH 7News, 13 Sep. 2023, https://whdh.com/news/escaped-pennsylvania-killer-danilo-cavalcante-taken-into-custody-after-he-was-subdued-by-a-police-dog
2. “Danelo Cavalcante captured, Pennsylvania police say” NPR, 13 Sep. 2023, https://www.npr.org/2023/09/13/1199186818/danelo-cavalcante-pennsylvania-captured
3. “NEW VIDEO: Pennsylvania escaped inmate in custody” WTXL ABC 27 Tallahassee News, 13 Sep. 2023, https://www.wtxl.com/pennsylvania-escaped-inmate-danelo-cavalcante-is-in-custody
4. “Escaped prisoner Danelo Cavalcante captured after 14-day manhunt: police” CBS Philly, 14 Sep. 2023, https://www.cbsnews.com/philadelphia/news/danelo-cavalcante-update-captured-caught-chester-county/
5. “Escaped murderer Danelo Cavalcante nabbed, and how a dog named Yoda helped collar him” ABC News, 31 Aug. 2023, https://abcnews.go.com/US/danelo-cavalcante-manhunt-escaped-murderer/story?id=102892278
6. “Danelo Cavalcante: How Killer Was Finally Captured After Prison Escape” PEOPLE, 13 Sep. 2023, https://people.com/danelo-cavalcante-captured-how-police-surrounded-suspect-7969184
