The Escape
Danilo Cavalcante, a man with a troubled past, escaped from Chester County Prison, Pennsylvania, on August 31. He had been convicted of brutally murdering Deborah Brandão, a mother of two. Despite the high security, he managed to break free from prison unnoticed, sparking a statewide manhunt.
The Search Begins
After Danilo’s escape, authorities and residents in the area went on high alert. Lt. Col. George Bivens of the Pennsylvania State Police took charge of the operation, with support from the US Border Patrol.
First Sighting
Just a day after his escape, a resident named Ryan Drummond reported seeing a man matching Danilo’s description near his home in Pocopson Township, close to the prison.
Security Cameras Capture Him
The following day, a security camera recorded Danilo about 1.5 miles from the jail. A state policeman also spotted him during the search operation. The manhunt was intensifying.
Longwood Gardens Encounter
Two days later, Danilo appeared on security cameras at Longwood Gardens, where he collected various items, including a backpack and a hooded hoodie.
Trespassing Incidents
On September 5, he intruded on another resident’s property in Pennsbury Township, southeast of the jail. He also returned to the vicinity of Longwood Gardens, prompting further investigation.
Stolen Van
The manhunt took an unexpected turn when Danilo stole a van, making it difficult for authorities to track his movements.
Change of Appearance
By September 10, Lt. Col. Bivens believed that Danilo had altered his appearance to evade capture. That morning, they spotted the stolen van in East Nantmeal Township as it ran out of gas.
The Final Moments
On September 11, a resident on Coventry Road in Philadelphia reported a break-in. The intruder, identified as Danilo, attempted to steal a .22 caliber rifle from the homeowner’s garage but was met with gunfire. The homeowner managed to miss him, but Danilo left behind a hoodie near the driveway.
The Capture
Two days later, on September 13, Pennsylvania State Police and Border Police apprehended Danilo Cavalcante at around 8 a.m. Thanks to the vigilance of a resident, the fugitive was finally captured.
Yoda, the Hero
A 4-year-old police dog named Yoda played a crucial role in Danilo’s capture, becoming a hero in the process.
Facing Justice
Danilo Cavalcante is now behind bars in State Correctional Institution – Phoenix, a maximum-security prison in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania.
Conclusion
The escape and eventual capture of Danilo Cavalcante serve as a reminder of the dedication and determination of law enforcement officers. The statewide manhunt and the involvement of vigilant residents played a pivotal role in ensuring that this dangerous fugitive was brought to justice. Now, Danilo will face the consequences of his actions within the confines of the Pennsylvania prison system.