“Chester County Prison Escapee Danelo Cavalcante Still at Large as Manhunt Intensifies”
GLENMOORE, Pa. – Officials continue to search for Danelo Cavalcante, an escapee from Chester County Prison, as the manhunt enters its second week. Cavalcante, who has altered his appearance, is believed to still be in Pennsylvania, although law enforcement is prepared for a national search if necessary.
Cavalcante managed to evade capture after breaking through the police perimeter, possibly using an underground tunnel or drainage ditch. Investigators suspect he stole a van from Baily’s Dairy Farm in West Chester, which he later abandoned when it ran out of gas. Police have released photos of the stolen vehicle, a damaged 2020 Ford Transit van, and are asking the public for any information regarding its whereabouts.
In an attempt to seek help, Cavalcante approached two former coworkers who captured his image on their doorbell camera. The images reveal Cavalcante’s new clean-shaven appearance, wearing a green hoodie.
Pennsylvania State Police Lt. Col. George Bivens admitted to the challenges of securing the area around the prison: “I’m not going to make an excuse to you. I wish it had not happened. Unfortunately, there are a lot of circumstances, there a lot of issues associated with that property. Tunnels, very large drainage ditches. Things that could not be secured. You couple that with weather, aviation being down for a night, there are a number of reasons. Again, no excuses.”
The ongoing manhunt has left nearby residents on edge. Tammy Korczynski, a neighbor, expressed her concerns, stating, “It’s been difficult, but it’s even more difficult now that it’s in our backyard and really, we’re not surprised because this is where he’s familiar.”
Police are urging the public to remain vigilant and report any sightings of Cavalcante. A $20,000 reward is still being offered for information leading to his capture. Meanwhile, Longwood Gardens, which has been closed during the search, is set to reopen as authorities continue their efforts to locate Cavalcante.
Updates on the search will be provided in a press conference held by Pennsylvania State Police at 2 p.m. local time. The conference can be watched via the video player above.
Brandon Goldner, an award-winning reporter for CBS3 Eyewitness News, primarily covering South Jersey, contributed to this article.