Escaped Murderer Steals Rifle and Evades Homeowner’s Gunfire in Pennsylvania Manhunt
An escaped murderer, Danelo Souza Cavalcante, remains at large in a rural stretch of southeastern Pennsylvania, sparking an intense manhunt in the area. Authorities revealed that Cavalcante broke into a garage and stole a .22-caliber rifle and ammunition before fleeing from the homeowner’s gunfire. The incident occurred late Monday in the search area northwest of Philadelphia.
Cavalcante had previously escaped from Chester County jail on August 31 while awaiting transfer to a state prison to serve a life sentence for fatally stabbing an ex-girlfriend in 2021. He broke out by scaling a wall, climbing over razor wire, running across a roof, and escaping undetected for over an hour. Authorities believe that his escape was unintentionally facilitated by a negligent tower guard who was subsequently fired.
In a desperate bid to seek help, Cavalcante stole a dairy delivery truck and visited the homes of former work associates. His latest attempt to find refuge led him to the open garage where he encountered the armed homeowner. Pennsylvania State Police Lt. Col. George Bivens described the encounter as a crime of opportunity and revealed that Cavalcante had not been injured in the gunfire.
Approximately 500 law enforcement personnel are now involved in the manhunt, securing an 8-10 square mile area in northern Chester County near South Coventry Township. Roads have been closed, checkpoints set up, and vehicles are being thoroughly searched as part of the extensive operation. Police helicopters and search dogs have been deployed to aid in the search, and officers are conducting house-to-house searches in an effort to locate and apprehend Cavalcante.
Residents in the area have been advised to lock their doors and exercise caution. For some, such as Kathleen Brady, the situation has caused significant anxiety. Brady, who lives within view of where Cavalcante was sighted, described a restless night filled with the sounds of sirens, circling helicopters, and armed police searching her property. Many residents remain on high alert, taking precautions such as locking their doors, keeping spotlights on, and even planning to stay with friends outside the search area until Cavalcante is captured.
While frustrations among residents are growing, authorities maintain that they are doing everything possible to ensure public safety and secure Cavalcante’s swift apprehension. State police have been authorized to use deadly force if necessary, although other agencies involved in the search may have different rules governing their response.
Cavalcante, a 34-year-old native of Brazil, is wanted in his home country for the 2017 slaying of Válter Júnior Moreira dos Reis. He is accused of committing a double qualified homicide over a debt the victim owed him. In the United States, a reward of $25,000 is being offered for information leading to Cavalcante’s capture.
As the manhunt intensifies and the search area expands, the local community remains on edge, hoping for a swift resolution to this dangerous situation. Law enforcement agencies are working tirelessly to locate Cavalcante and bring him to justice, but until then, residents are urged to remain vigilant and take all necessary precautions for their safety.
