Authorities share details of escaped convicted murderer’s capture: ‘Did not realize he was surrounded’

A nearly two-week-long manhunt for an escaped convict came to an end Wednesday morning after the fugitive murderer was surrounded and brought down with the help of a K9.

Since escaping southeastern Pennsylvania’s Chester County Prison on Aug. 31, 34-year-old Danelo Cavalcante had left communities on high alert mere weeks after being handed a life sentence for killing his ex-girlfriend in front of her children.

On Wednesday, with the coordination of more than 500 law enforcement officials representing local, state and federal agencies, Pennsylvania State Police Lt. Col. George Bivens spoke to the capture of the illegal alien, also wanted for homicide in his native Brazil, at a press conference.

“They were able to move in very quietly. They had the element of surprise. Cavalcante did not realize he was surrounded until that had occurred,” explained Bivens after of the capture that took place around 8 a.m.

Law enforcement officials detailed that the fugitive had been located using an aircraft equipped with thermal imaging around 1 a.m., but a storm prevented authorities, which included U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents and State Police, from immediately engaging.

When the opportunity to close on the convict presented itself, a K9 was dispatched to subdue the surrounded fugitive as he attempted to crawl through brush and elude authorities once more.

Praise for the apprehension was also given to the representatives from CBP, members of the tactical unit BORTAC whose skills have been utilized in other manhunts, including following a 2015 prison break, according to Fox News.

Cavalcante’s whereabouts at the time of his capture were reportedly not far from a home where he was said to have obtained a .22 caliber rifle earlier in the week, just one of a number of instances where he was said to have made off with property from homes in the area.

As images were released showing the convict being loaded into the back of an armored vehicle for transport to a maximum security prison, a statement from the Chester County Commissioners was released speaking to concerns surrounding the initial escape.

“Chester County Prison officials have made some immediate changes to bolster security in the prison, have brought in security contractors to make permanent changes to the exercise yards, and are reviewing and — where needed — changing procedures for both security measures and communications to residents who live close to the prison,” the statement read.

Meanwhile, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro (D) issued his own statement posted to X thanking all of those involved in apprehending the fugitive.

“Thanks to the incredible work of @PAStatePolice, local authorities, federal partners, and the people of ChesCo, Danelo Cavalcante is in police custody. These dedicated law enforcement professionals worked tirelessly to protect us, and I couldn’t be prouder to work alongside them,” said Shapiro.

“I know this has been a trying and scary time for the good people of Pennsylvania. Thank you for your vigilance, support of law enforcement, and cooperation during this effort that led to today’s capture,” he continued. “This search is a clear example of what professionalism in law enforcement is about. The brave women and men leading this search stayed vigilant and stuck to their mission, and I’ve given them my thanks on behalf of all Pennsylvanians.”

Kevin Haggerty

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