CHESTER COUNTY, PA — In a significant development, the Pennsylvania State Police and Chester County District Attorney’s Office announced on Wednesday, September 13, 2023, the apprehension of the escaped fugitive, 34-year-old Danelo Souza Cavalcante.
Cavalcante, who had been on the run since escaping from Chester County Prison on August 31, 2023, was found and taken into custody, ending a two-week-long manhunt that had put the region on high alert.
The Brazilian national was serving a life sentence for homicide in the U.S. and is also wanted in his home country on similar charges.
The news of Cavalcante’s capture brings relief to a community that has been on edge since his escape. A joint statement from Chester County Commissioners Marian Moskowitz, Josh Maxwell, and Michelle Kichline expressed their gratitude to law enforcement and the public:
“The capture of Cavalcante ends the nightmare of the past two weeks, and we thank every single law enforcement official at the regional, state and federal level that was out in all weather conditions, all day and night – as well as everyone in the incident command center, our County Department of Emergency Services and County Sheriff’s Office – for their immense efforts.”
They also thanked community partners, businesses, and school districts for their support and cooperation, as well as the public for providing tips to law enforcement during the manhunt.
In the wake of Cavalcante’s escape, the Chester County Prison officials have implemented immediate changes to bolster security at the facility. They have engaged security contractors to make permanent changes to the exercise yards and are reviewing and updating procedures for both security measures and communication to residents living close to the prison.
The capture of Cavalcante underscores the effectiveness of law enforcement collaboration and community vigilance in ensuring public safety. It also serves as a reminder of the need for robust security measures in correctional facilities to prevent such incidents in the future.
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