WEST CHESTER, PA — The search for escaped convict Danelo Cavalcante continues to intensify in Chester County, Pennsylvania after a new sighting was reported early on September 5, 2023. The Chester County District Attorney’s Office and the Pennsylvania State Police have released still photos from a trail camera footage that confirm the fugitive’s presence in the vicinity of Longwood Gardens.
Cavalcante made his escape from Chester County Prison on the morning of August 31, 2023. Since his escape, there have been numerous credible sightings of him in the areas surrounding Longwood Gardens and Pocopson Township. An additional sighting was reported on the evening of September 4, 2023, prompting a multiple-hour search by law enforcement officials.
The latest sighting report occurred on the morning of September 5, after security at Longwood Gardens alerted law enforcement to a trail camera footage showing an individual believed to be Cavalcante. This area is located just south of the original search perimeter. Investigators have since confirmed the individual as Cavalcante, who was seen carrying a backpack, a duffle sling pack, and wearing a hooded sweatshirt.
Cavalcante was captured by the trail camera walking north at 8:21 p.m. and heading back south through the same location at 9:33 p.m. This information has led officials to shift the manhunt toward the southern end of the established perimeter.
In response to the ongoing manhunt, superintendents in the Unionville Chadds-Ford and Kennett Area Consolidated school districts had closed schools for the day. A reverse 911 call was also sent out to residents within a 3-mile radius in both English and Spanish early this morning.
Federal agencies, including the FBI and US Customs Border Patrol, have dispatched resources to the Chester County area in an attempt to assist with the manhunt. The search operation is active and ongoing, with hundreds of law enforcement officers working around the clock using helicopters, drones, and K-9 units.
Residents in the perimeter area are being urged to lock their doors, check their cars and belongings, and remain vigilant of their surroundings. Anyone with information on Cavalcante’s whereabouts is asked to immediately call 9-1-1. A reward of $10,000 has been offered for information leading to his capture.
Information is subject to change at any time as additional details may emerge.
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