The search for the fugitive in southeastern Pennsylvania took a chilling turn on Tuesday when officials revealed that the man was armed. This development heightened tensions and raised the stakes in the suburban communities where the manhunt was underway.
Danelo Cavalcante, a convicted murderer and suspect in a killing in Brazil, encountered a homeowner in an open garage and seized a .22-caliber rifle. As he fled from the scene, the homeowner fired at Cavalcante with a pistol.
Lt. Col. George Bivens of the Pennsylvania State Police described Cavalcante as desperate and dangerous, emphasizing the need to apprehend him quickly. He added, “He’s killed two people previously. I would suspect that he’s desperate enough to use that weapon.”
The unease that had already engulfed the towns in the south of the county, where Cavalcante had been hiding, spread further north to the East Nantmeal Township area. Authorities discovered Cavalcante’s stolen van near the jail, indicating his presence in the region.
After an entire day without any leads, sightings of Cavalcante began pouring in. One witness reported seeing him crouching near the wood line close to where the van had been abandoned. Following his footprints, agents discovered that Cavalcante had stolen work boots from a porch, leaving behind his prison-issued shoes. Shortly after, he encountered the homeowner and stole a rifle.
Robert Clark, a supervisory deputy U.S. marshal, revealed that Cavalcante may possess up to 10 rounds of ammunition. Authorities issued alerts to local residents, urging them to stay indoors, secure their properties, and assist in the search with any surveillance footage.
Overnight, the search efforts intensified, with approximately 500 law enforcement officers working together to establish a new perimeter. Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro expressed confidence in Cavalcante’s eventual capture, though acknowledging the current worry and anxiety in the area.
The discovery of Cavalcante’s possession of a gun transformed the emergency situation. Jason Mesiarik, a local resident, reported hearing gunshots near his property, prompting an influx of search helicopters and personnel.
The densely wooded area and numerous hiding spots presented a challenge for law enforcement. Michele Bauer, another resident, highlighted the difficulty in finding someone in the area due to the abundance of barns, sheds, and hunting stands.
By Joel Wolfram and Elise Young | Reported from Ludwigs Corner, Pa. | Research by Kitty Bennett.
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