PENNSYLVANIA, PA — The 14-day manhunt is over.
The search for convicted murderer Danelo Cavalcante, ended around 8 a.m. this morning when Pennsylvania State Police and Border Control apprehended Calvante 14 days after he escaped the Chester County Prison.
According to CBS News, Cavalcante, 34, escaped from Chester County Prison around 8:45 a.m. on August 31, nine days after was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for the April 2021 murder of his former girlfriend, Deborah Brandão.
A press conference was held Wednesday morning at 9:30 a.m. by Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, Pennsylvania State Police, and Border Patrol to brief the public on the details of the apprehension. The conference also allowed questions from the dozens of media personnel who had been covering the escape since its inception.
Lt. Col. George Bivens of the Pennsylvania State Police said a “heat signal” from a helicopter detected Cavalcante overnight. According to Bivens, he was located west of Pennsylvania Route 100 and north of Prizer Road. Authorities were then able to close in on him.
Calvacante attempted to escape authorities before his arrest, crawling through thick underbrush with the stolen rifle. Authorities released a search dog, who ultimately was able to “subdue” him, according to Bivens. Calvacante was treated by medical personnel at the scene for a “minor” dog bite.
“Our [tactical teams] were able to move in very quietly,” Bivens said. “They had the element of surprise. Calvacante did not realize he was surrounded until that had occurred.”
“There were no injuries to law enforcement or to the public,” Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro said. “We became deeply concerned after the suspect was able to steal a weapon. He was apprehended this morning with no shots fired.”
At the press conference held this morning, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro expressed his immense pride and gratitude for the state and local authorities who helped locate and apprehend Calvante. He lauded the Pennsylvania State Police Department as the “finest law enforcement agency in the United States of America.”
“The public over the last 14 days has had a chance to see what excellence in law enforcement means,” Shapiro acknowledged. “What true, dedicated professionalism is all about. I couldn’t be more proud to be standing up here today with these professionals from every level.”
Chester County residents’ fears skyrocketed late Monday night after it was confirmed Calvacante stole a .22 caliber rifle and ammunition from an open garage. According to NBC News, the homeowner fired at Cavalcante with a pistol as he evaded capture once again.
Local authorities urged the surrounding residents to remain inside and keep all doors locked. They confirmed that Cavalcante was “armed and extremely dangerous.” Chester County Schools were closedTuesday and remained closed on Wednesday.
During the press conference, Bivens provided additional information on what was next in the investigation. He stated Cavalcante was a Brazilian national, and his primary language is Portuguese. Bivens also reported that it is unlikely that Cavalcante will give detectives any information on how he managed to evade capture.
CNN reported that the U.S. Immigrations and Customs took Cavalcante’s sister, Eleni Cavalcante into custody Monday after refusing to cooperate with police following her brother’s escape. She currently faces deportation.
Cavalcante is being questioned at the Avondale station in Pennslyvania. Afterward, he will be transported to another state correctional institution where he will serve the remainder of his sentence.