Danelo Cavalcante: Escaped Pennsylvania murderer shot at seven times by homeowner after stealing rifle
CHESTER COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA: Danelo Cavalcante, a convicted murderer who broke out of a Pennsylvania prison in August, was reportedly shot at seven times by a homeowner after he broke into his house and stole a rifle on Monday, September 11.
The 34-year-old fugitive clambered up a wall and escaped from Chester County Prison on August 31, just days after he was sentenced to life in prison for fatally stabbing his ex-girlfriend, Deborah Brandao.
On the 13th day of Cavalcante's manhunt, Pennsylvania State Police warned that he could be armed with a .22 caliber rifle when he scampered from a home on the 3500 block of Coventryville Road in East Nantmeal Township.
The fugitive was last spotted in East Nantmeal Township, where the homeowner fired at least seven shots at someone, who matched his description, according to the NY Post.
It is currently unknown if the individual, who met the convict's description, was hit by any of the shots fired before he fled as there was no blood discovered at the scene.
Where Danelo Cavalcante was last seen?
Hundreds of police officers, including SWAT officers in armored trucks, were searching the neighborhood after a helicopter sighted Cavalcante in the South Coventry Township.
Investigators who examined the area of the reported sighting discovered shoes that they believe could belong to Cavalcante, according to local reports.
The state police ordered residents of South Coventry, West Vincent and East Nantmeal townships to shelter in place through a reverse 911 call.
As a result of the search, all schools and offices in the Owen J Roberts School District will be closed on Tuesday, September 12.
Has Danelo Cavalcante changed his appearance?
The reports of shots fired at Cavalcante came after authorities revealed that he was spotted outside a former colleague's home through a doorbell camera in East Pikeland Township.
The unidentified person was not at home when Cavalcante arrived but they later contacted police after reviewing the doorbell footage.
Authorities later released images from the doorbell footage, which showed Cavalcante had changed his appearance.
Police said, “He changed his appearance. He is now clean shaven and was wearing a yellow or green hooded sweatshirt, black baseball style hat, green prison pants, and white shoes.”
At a press conference, Pennsylvania State Police Lt Col George Bivens stated that Cavalcante stole a 2020 Ford Transit van on Saturday, September 9, about three-quarters of a mile from the search perimeter.
However, he later abandoned the vehicle in a field behind a barn in East Nantmeal Township after he ran out of gas.
Officials said the van was taken from near Longwood Gardens after the keys were left inside.
“We are obviously very concerned that Cavalcante has or will attempt to steal another vehicle to facilitate his escape,” Bivens said.
He added, “This most recent incident is a reminder that he will take advantage of any opportunity to obtain items he needs.”
The officer continued by declaring that Cavalcante was "extremely dangerous" and that there was still a reward of up to $20,000 for any information that would aid in his arrest.