September 13, Day 14
The search is over. Escaped convict Danelo Cavalcante is in custody.
I happened to be listening to the scanner traffic this morning. The first hint was at 8:16 ET when LE said “the subject” was in custody. I couldn’t believe it.
Then, at 8:18 ET, it was confirmed and announced to all agencies.
He was captured in the wooded area near Little’s. He was armed with the stolen rifle.
This photo was released by the Pennsylvania State Police after the press conference.
Cavalcante will be moved to a state prison where he will serve his life sentence for murder. Other charges will likely be added for the escape, burglaries and auto theft. He’s also wanted for murder is Brazil. He’ll never see freedom again.
7:00am update: It appears they have him surrounded in a wooded area in the NE corner of the search perimeter. They got heat signatures around 1:00am. He can hope.
September 12, Day 13
6:30pm update: No change since this morning. LE continues to insist the convict is in the area previously identified and that’s where the resources have been deployed to.
One thing is for sure, Cavalcante makes his moves after dark. He’s staying low during the day.
8:45am update: The press conference was just held and no further information was provided. They confirmed what we already know.
The search area has grown to the north some. Approximately 9 square miles.
5:12 am update: They’re still on the hunt for the convict. I’d hoped they would have gotten him overnight, but that wasn’t the case. The shelter in place order is still in effect. Vehicles coming into the area are being searched. Schools in the area remain closed. Daylight will help with the search.
1:02am update: They’re keeping pressure on him. Nothing major has happened for a while now. Scanner is not near as busy as it was earlier. Two state police helicopters are continuing to circle the area and the perimeter is still strong.
September 11, Day 12
11:00 pm update: A reverse 911 went out to residents in the area.
10:53pm update: The search area is moving north. It looks like they’ve got him cornered south of French Creek Elementary, the helicopter is hovering in one area.
9:26pm update: The sighting of Cavalcante is confirmed and a green sweatshirt has been found. There are reports of shots fired south of the French Creek Elementary School, where a staging area has been set up. 7 shots were said to be fired by a homeowner when Cavalcante broke into his home and stole a 22-caliber rifle and scope. He is now armed.
8:21pm update: This graphic shows the new search area. Fresh tracks and shoes have been found in the area where state police spotted him. LE is converging on the area and more officers are on their way to help surround the area.
7:50pm update: It’s been quiet, but a possible LE sighting of the convict running into the woods just came across the scanner. 1900 Fairview Rd, less than a mile from where he ditched the van. A perimeter is being set up now. If it is him, he’s trying to take advantage of the fog.
There’s a helicopter circling the area and K9 units have been requested.
1:05pm update: Press Conference.
- LE confirms they are searching again in the same area where the van was found, but they have no perimeter established. Until they have a reason not to search there, they will stay in that area.
- Cavalcante’s sister is not cooperating and is being held for deportation.
- The reward for Cavalcante has been increased to $25,000.00.
- They stand by their handling of the search. Media is pressing them on that.
- They believe Cavalcante is still in PA, and Chester County.
- There’s been no contact with the government of Brazil.
12:15pm update: It appears that LE is still considering the area around East Nantmeal Township is still viable. It’s being reported that LE is congregating on highway 401 again today. News helicopters are in the area and circling areas that were searched yesterday, including where the van was located.
I don’t know if Cavalcante has been spotted again in that area or not. It could be that they don’t know where to search next. There is a press conference at 2pm ET (1pm CT). Maybe they’ll talk about their strategy some.
7:35am update: Nothing happened overnight. Quiet. Too quiet. He’s still out there somewhere. I’m beginning to think he has some help moving around. Just a feeling. I have nothing to base that on.
September 10, Day 11
11:54pm update: There’s no set perimeter right now, although there’s still a large LE presence on 401. LE is searching specific calls and clearing them. They really don’t know where the guy is at. How do they keep losing him?
8:38pm update: It’s a little quieter than it was earlier. The scanner is back up, but the secure patches aren’t broadcasting. They’ve either been told to stop broadcasting them, or they’ve changed the code. Not a lot of activity in past couple of hours, although it’s been raining. I’ll continue to watch for a bit.
6:13pm update: Rain is falling on the search area and the sun is setting, making the search slow going. Helicopters are grounded. The major scanner feed site crashed, so those details are not available right now. Crazy.
4:57pm update: A confirmed sighting of Cavalcante south of where he ditched the van, heading south. A new perimeter search area is being established.
1:13pm update: a press conference is underway. They’re reporting that Cavalcante has been seeking assistance from acquaintances and family who reside in the area. They are searching in the area where the van was found. No large perimeter has been established yet. This is now a “nationwide manhunt”.
Cavalcante’s sister has been arrested. It’s possible she could be deported. Apparently, she attempted to help him.
11:51am update: It is confirmed the van has been found and Cavalcante has been seen northwest of Ludwigs Corner. LE is currently surrounding the area. This is developing quickly.
10:45am update: Pennsylvania State Police is saying he’s no longer in the Phoenixville area. Reports are they found the van. Not confirmed though. They are surrounding a corn field south of St. Peters Township where he’s been visually located.
Like many Americans, I’ve been watching the manhunt for Danelo Cavalcante, a convicted murderer who escaped from the Chester County Jail after being sentenced to life behind bars. The manhunt has been underway in Chester County, PA for the past week. Hundreds of State Police, local police, Federal marshals and the FBI have been combing the area around Pocopson, investigating sightings of Cavalcante who remains on the run.
Overnight, there was a major turn of events.
It’s now being reported by PA State Police that Cavalcante got past their perimeter and was last seen in Phoenixville, some 20 miles from the search area, near his sister’s house. He has changed his appearance and may have stolen a van. The search area has moved.
The latest images show Cavalcante is now clean shaven and wearing different clothing.
The stolen van is a 2020 Ford Transit Van, license plate Pennsylvania registration ZST-8818.
I’ve read that this guy is an illegal from Brazil who murdered his girlfriend. He’s also wanted for murder in Brazil. This guy has to be caught or eliminated.
This dude is dangerous. If you see him or the van, dial 911 or call the tip line at 717-562-2987.
