Search for escaped prisoners: Danelo Cavalcante is armed, state police say; South Coventry residents are urged to stay indoors
Danelo Cavalcante is armed with a rifle and people in South Coventry Township in northern Chester County are urged to stay indoors and exercise caution as the search for the escaped prisoner continues, police said early Tuesday morning.
Cavalcante was last seen in the area of Ridge, Coventry and Daisy Point roads in Pennsylvania State Police South Coventry Township said A social media post at 1:47 a.m. urged residents to lock all doors and windows and secure vehicles.
As people within the search area left for work Tuesday morning, state police searched their vehicles before allowing them to proceed. Cavalcante was last seen shirtless, wearing blue pants and carrying a .22 caliber rifle and a flashlight Requester reported. Police will provide an update on the search during a press conference at 9:30 a.m
Police spotted Cavalcante Monday night in the 1900 block of Fairview Road and found a pair of shoes believed to belong to the convicted murderer. Shortly afterward, a homeowner in the 3500 block of Coventryville Road reported shooting at someone matching Cavalcante’s description. However, it is unclear whether anyone was hit. 6ABC reported. Police believe Cavalcante obtained the rifle after breaking into a home in East Nantmeal Township, south of South Coventry Township.
Authorities have now been 13 days into the manhunt for 34-year-old Cavalcante, who was sentenced last month to life in prison for killing his ex-girlfriend Deborah Brandao in her Schuylkill Township home in 2021. Despite more than eight confirmed sightings since his escape on August 31, Cavalcante has bypassed an expanded police perimeter and previously used the dense, rugged terrain near Longwood Gardens to elude investigators.
In response to increased police presence throughout northern Chester County, the Owen J. Roberts School District in Pottstown was established closed on Tuesday.
The reward for information leading to Cavalcante’s arrest was increased to $25,000 on Monday. Anyone with information on Cavalcante’s whereabouts can call 911 or state police at (717) 562-2987.
This story is developing. Check back for updates.
