After 14 days manhunt, convicted killer Danelo Cavalcante, 34, a native of Brazil – who escaped from Chester Country Prison at the end of August – was captured without incident on Wednesday just after 8 a.m. Authorities used thermal imaging from an aircraft to pinpoint a possible location. No one was injured in the capture ( Cavalcante only sustained a minor bite from the police dog) and no shots were fired, Gov. Josh Shapiro said in a news conference. Pennsylvania State Police, along with other authorities, surrounded Cavalcante in northern Chester County in the area of South Coventry Township. “Cavalcante did not realize he was surrounded until that had occurred,” Pennsylvania State Police Lt. Col. George Bivens explained.
Before being arrested , Cavalcante changed his appearance and stole a van and even a .22 rifle. The corrections officer who failed to notice the inmate’s escape was fired. Cavalcante was convicted of murdering his girlfriend in August. He also had a warrant in a murder case in Brazil, where he arrived several years ago as a fugitive. Chester County officials and Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro said anyone who helped Cavalcante will be prosecuted to the fullest extent.
