Fugitive’s Capture
Danelo Cavalcante, a 34-year-old fugitive who had escaped from a prison in Pennsylvania on August 31st, was successfully apprehended in a wooded area. His capture came two weeks after his escape, thanks to a law enforcement K-9 unit. More than 500 officers had been relentlessly searching for him. He was serving a life sentence for the murder of his ex-girlfriend in front of her children in April 2021.
Governor’s Praise and Capture Details
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro commended the law enforcement agencies for their exceptional efforts, highlighting that Cavalcante was apprehended without the need for any shots fired. The capture occurred shortly after 08:00 local time on a Wednesday. The governor acknowledged the invaluable assistance received from members of the public.
Search Operation Details
Law enforcement teams, comprising mounted patrols, K-9 units, and aircraft, had combed the woods of South Coventry Township during a night marked by rain and thunderstorms. A burglar alarm at a residence had initially drawn officers closer to Cavalcante’s location. A Drug Enforcement Administration plane detected a heat signal on the ground at 01:00, but inclement weather forced the aircraft to depart.
A Tactical Team’s Stealthy Approach
Around 04:00, a tactical team of approximately two dozen officers began narrowing in on the heat source, ultimately pinpointing Cavalcante four hours later. They managed to approach quietly and caught Cavalcante off guard. Despite being surrounded, he attempted to escape by crawling through dense underbrush while carrying a stolen rifle. A U.S. Customs and Border Protection unit from Texas, accompanied by a K-9, played a pivotal role in subduing Cavalcante, leading to a minor bite wound.
Legal Proceedings and Public Reaction
Cavalcante, who sustained a scalp wound during the capture, will undergo a medical assessment before being transferred to a prison facility. He will face a felony escape charge in court, according to Philadelphia’s attorney general. Local media footage depicted Cavalcante, handcuffed and in a Philadelphia Eagles sweatshirt, being escorted to a police van. Officers, proud of their work, posed for photos with their captive. Chester County’s commissioners expressed relief that Cavalcante’s capture marked the end of a harrowing two-week period for the community. In response to the escape, the prison has implemented immediate security enhancements, including the hiring of new security contractors.
Cavalcante’s daring escape, similar to a previous incident involving another inmate, Igor Bolte, exposed significant security lapses at Chester County Prison. Despite an extensive manhunt involving officers equipped with night-vision goggles, K-9 units, drones, and aerial support, Cavalcante managed to evade capture for two weeks. Residents had been on edge during the manhunt, with reports of increased gun shop sales. While on the run, Cavalcante attempted to contact associates, including his sister, who was subsequently taken into custody for an immigration violation. Family members of his murder victim have been under 24-hour police protection. The escape and eventual arrest of the fugitive gained attention in his native Brazil, where it was celebrated as a relief.
SOURCE: Ref Image from Columbian
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