Fugitive Danelo Cavalcante, Armed with Rifle, Sought by Police in South Coventry Township
Escaped Inmate Danelo Cavalcante Triggers Intense Manhunt in Chester County
South Coventry Township, Pa — In the early hours of Tuesday morning, Pennsylvania State Police went into high gear in their pursuit of escaped inmate Danelo Cavalcante, who was armed with a rifle. The search operation unfolded in South Coventry Township, Chester County, and the tension in the air was palpable.
Authorities revealed that Cavalcante was last seen in the vicinity of Ridge Road, Coventryville Road, and Daisy Point Road. As the manhunt intensified, police issued an urgent advisory for residents in the area, urging them to lock all windows and doors to ensure their safety.
The search for Cavalcante had been underway for twelve days, with the latest efforts focused around 1993 Fairview Road. On Monday night, police took the precaution of sending out reverse 9-1-1 calls, instructing residents in the East Nantmeal area to shelter in place.
Adding to the complexity of the situation, items believed to belong to Cavalcante, including a T-shirt and shoes, were discovered in the vicinity. Multiple reports from concerned residents claimed shots had been fired in the area, further escalating the tension.
One resident stepped forward, reporting a gun stolen during a confrontation where shots were exchanged around 10:30 p.m. near the French Creek Elementary School, close to Route 100. The suspect in this incident bore a resemblance to Cavalcante, although it remains uncertain if the suspect was injured when a homeowner fired shots in self-defense.
The stolen firearm was identified as a .22 caliber rifle equipped with a scope. Police officers combed the area for any potential footprints that could provide clues to Cavalcante’s whereabouts.
In an unfortunate turn of events unrelated to the manhunt, a police officer suffered burns from the radiator cap of his car. This incident further highlighted the intense atmosphere surrounding the search. As a precautionary measure, officers established a perimeter and completely shut down Route 100 to facilitate the ongoing search.
Investigative authorities believed that Cavalcante managed to elude their initial search perimeter over the weekend. During this time, he reportedly stole a van from a dairy farm, which was abandoned in East Nantmeal after running out of gas.
Before the possible sighting on Monday night, the last confirmed visual of Cavalcante was captured on a Ring doorbell camera in the Phoenixville area on Saturday night. The footage showed him with a clean-shaven face, sporting a green hoodie and hat—a strikingly different appearance from the facial hair he had when he first escaped.
Remarkably, police indicated that Cavalcante attempted to make contact with two former co-workers. One of his former associates engaged in a conversation with him in Portuguese through the Ring doorbell, shedding light on his desperate attempt to reconnect.
Local residents, like Jeff Wynn, remained glued to their online police scanners as the manhunt unfolded. Wynn expressed a mix of fascination and concern, remarking, “It’s thrilling. It’s amazing that he’s still around this long into it.”
Law enforcement authorities urged the public to report any sightings of Cavalcante promptly. They emphasized that assisting him would lead to prosecution, sending a stern message about the consequences of harboring a fugitive.
Additionally, Pennsylvania State Police Lt. Col. George Bivens disclosed that Cavalcante’s sister was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and was now facing deportation proceedings. Bivens revealed that she had overstayed her visa and opted not to cooperate in her brother’s capture.
In the face of this ongoing crisis, police urged the public to remain vigilant, check their surveillance cameras, and report any potential sightings of Danelo Cavalcante.
Cavalcante’s original conviction was for the brutal murder of his ex-girlfriend, Deborah Brandao, whom he fatally stabbed 38 times in front of her two young children in the Phoenixville area in 2021. He was slated for transfer to a state correctional institution but managed to escape, setting off this intense manhunt.
To encourage the community’s cooperation, law enforcement is offering a $25,000 reward for any information leading to the recapture of the escaped killer. The stakes are high, and the pursuit continues with unwavering determination.
By: M Z Hossain, Digital Journalist
