The two-week search for convicted murderer Danelo Cavalcante concluded Wednesday in a rural region of Chester County.
State police said the pursuit intensified Tuesday evening following a burglary alarm in the search area. While the alarm itself was unfounded, it directed authorities to scour the area, both on land and in the air.
A report from North Penn Now, based on a source, detailed that during the early hours of Wednesday, a law enforcement aircraft detected a heat signature. This discovery led authorities straight to Cavalcante’s location.
State police verified the account, stating that a Drug Enforcement Agency aircraft equipped with thermal sensors identified a human figure. However, due to stormy conditions, the aircraft had to land temporarily. Once the weather stabilized, specialized teams were dispatched to the area and began an intense search.
While navigating dense underbrush, a police canine from the U.S. Custom and Border Protection’s tactical unit pinpointed Cavalcante and subdued him.
Upon Cavalcante’s arrest, the .22-caliber rifle investigators said he stole on Monday night was located nearby, according to state police.
Troopers confirmed that Cavalcante was arrested by federal agents from Texas and a Pennsylvania State Police tactical squad.
Upon his capture, Cavalcante, donning a Philadelphia Eagles sweatshirt, had minor injuries and appeared bloodied. Medical teams evaluated him post-arrest, said state police.
State police Lt. Col. George Bivens, the lead on the operation, expressed relief at the safe conclusion of the manhunt.
“It is a true pleasure to stand here this morning and talk to all of you about bringing this manhunt to a successful conclusion without getting anyone else hurt,” said Bivens.
Chester County District Attorney Deb Ryan simply said, “The good guys won.”
Col. Christopher Paris, commissioner of the Pennsylvania State Police, commended Chester County’s community for their cooperation.
Governor Josh Shapiro expressed gratitude towards local, state, and federal law enforcement for their dedication.
“Thank God there were no injuries to law enforcement or the public,” Shaprio said.
Collaboration between local and federal units, including Bucks County police, played a pivotal role in the manhunt’s success, state police said.
Bivens, known for overseeing high-profile searches in Pennsylvania, hinted at possible additional charges for Cavalcante’s escape.
In response to questions from reporters regarding the search’s duration, Bivens defended the efforts of law enforcement and pointed to the capture of the killer.
The arrest occurred two weeks after Cavalcante’s escape. Hundreds of officers participated in the search.
Cavalcante was convicted last month for the murder of an ex-girlfriend in Chester County. The BBC reported he is also a suspect in a 2017 Brazilian murder case.
Authorities will transfer Cavalcante to a state correctional facility.
Details surrounding his escape from Chester County Prison indicated he imitated a prior inmate’s escape method, which involved climbing a wall, bypassing razor wire, and leaving via the rooftop.
See also:
Escaped Murderer Danelo Cavalcante Captured by Police Wednesday Morning
More Than 500 Members of Law Enforcement Now Involved in Danelo Cavalcante Search
