Escaped Inmate Possibly Sight in East Nantmeal, Pennsylvania
by Aziza Shuler
EAST NANTMEAL, Pa. (CBS) — Danelo Cavalcante, the escaped inmate and convicted killer, has possibly been sighted in East Nantmeal, Pennsylvania, on the 12th day of the search. Police believe he might be armed, and residents have been urged to shelter in place.
The search for Cavalcante intensified on Monday night as police actively scoured the area of 1993 Fairview Road. Authorities sent out reverse 9-1-1 calls to notify residents to stay indoors and take precautions.
Shirt and shoes believed to belong to Cavalcante were found in the search area, adding to the suspicion that he is still in the vicinity. Multiple residents reported hearing shots fired in the area, with one resident stating that during a confrontation, shots were exchanged, and a gun was stolen. The suspect in the gun theft matches Cavalcante’s description, though it is unclear if he was injured in the incident.
Sources indicate that the suspect managed to escape with a .22 caliber rifle with a scope. Meanwhile, police are diligently examining the grounds for any footprints that may belong to Cavalcante.
In an unfortunate incident unrelated to the search, a police officer sustained burns from the radiator cap of his car. However, this did not deter the ongoing manhunt, with officers setting up a perimeter in hopes of concluding the search by Monday night. As a result, Route 100 has been completely shut down.
Investigators believe Cavalcante slipped through their search perimeter over the weekend before stealing a dairy farm van. The van was subsequently abandoned in East Nantmeal after running out of gas.
Individuals residing in the area have been urged to report any sightings of Cavalcante to the police. Fear and tension continue to mount as the manhunt enters its 12th day, with law enforcement maintaining a strong presence in northern Chester County and East Nantmeal.
Local resident Jeff Wynn expressed his apprehension about the length of the search, stating, “It’s thrilling. It’s amazing that he’s still around this long into it.” However, as time passes, there is concern that community members may take matters into their own hands if the search prolongs.
As the search for Cavalcante continues, residents remain on high alert, hoping for a swift resolution to this dangerous situation.
—
Aziza Shuler is an Emmy® award-winning journalist. She truly believes everyone has a story, and she’s most passionate about giving a voice to the underdogs, forgotten, and overlooked people in our communities.