Danelo Cavalcante: Pennsylvania prison beefs up security while new aerial video shows moment fugitive tried to hide before being caught
CHESTER COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA: The Drug Enforcement Administration revealed aerial surveillance video that assisted in the apprehension of fugitive convict Danelo Cavalcante on Wednesday, September 16.
The DEA jet had thermal imaging and was able to detect Cacalcante's heat signature as he tried to hide west of PA Route 100, north of Prizer Road at 1 am the morning of his capture, per NBC10 Philadelphia.
DEA Aviation Team aerial surveillance which aided in the capture of #DaneloCavalcante. Great work @DEAPHILADELPHIA, who played a role in this successful operation led by @PAStatePolice pic.twitter.com/9CymVN50zN
— DEA HQ (@DEAHQ) September 16, 2023
Pennsylvania prison strengthens security
Changes are being made at the Pennsylvania prison where inmate Danelo Cavalcante scaled a wall to accomplish his daring escape in order to avoid a repeat of the getaway.
Jail officials have made temporary upgrades to the institution to bolster security, according to Chester County officials, including a new barrier preventing access to the prison's roof.
In order to escape, Cavalcante crab-walked up a brick wall, dove through barbed wire, and made his way across the roof. According to TMZ, the new barrier preventing roof access is hidden under the razor wire.
When the convict broke free during exercise time in the yard, prison guards were on the watchtower. According to reports, guards will now occupy different positions when inmates are in the yard.
Additionally, Chester County Prison has reportedly sent a guard to the prison roof and is assessing its surveillance protocols after Cavalcante's escape was caught on tape.
He escaped from prison and survived on watermelon and creek water for two weeks until he was captured around 18 miles away from the facility. During that time, he buried his waste to avoid detection.
Due to Danelo's escape, the Chester County Commissioners reportedly approved a contract to erect a permanent fence across the prison's exercise yards.
Where is Danelo Cavalcante now?
Cavalcante was sent to SCI Phoenix, a high-security facility in Montgomery County, on the Wednesday afternoon of his arrest, where he will now carry out his mandatory life sentence.