Brazilian Killer on the Run: Spreading Terror in Philadelphia Suburbs

A Brazilian killer who has been on the run for two weeks is spreading terror in the Philadelphia suburbs. Several schools are closed, and residents are asked to lock their doors.

34-year-old Danelo Cavalcante broke out of the Chester County Jail on August 31 by climbing onto the roof and jumping over two barbed wire fences.

Despite a persistent police hunt with drones, dogs, specially trained personnel and helicopters, the Brazilian has still not been caught.

Cavalcante, who three weeks ago was sentenced to life for the murder of his girlfriend in 2021, is described as “extremely dangerous” by the police. The 34-year-old is also wanted for murder in Brazil.

– He is probably armed. We are not evacuating homes at this time, but we are asking people to be vigilant and lock their doors, police spokesman George Bivens said at a press conference on Tuesday.

1.52 meters high

Since his prison escape, Cavalcante, who is only 1.52 meters tall, has appeared on a number of surveillance videos and photos in the Philadelphia suburbs. The runaway has become a talking point in the big city.

According to the police, the images show that the 34-year-old has managed to steal new clothes, food and a van which he later abandoned, and shaved off the beard he had in prison.

On Monday this week, the Brazilian broke into a garage in west Philadelphia and stole a hunting rifle. During the break-in, he was discovered by the homeowner, who opened fire, but according to the police, the fugitive got away unharmed.

– The needle in the haystack

On Tuesday, police decided to close all schools in the Oakland J. Robert district. That same day, over 500 police officers combed a nearby area, but according to Bivens, they were hampered by the wooded terrain.

Over several days, the media have called the police inept in their quest to catch Cavalcante.

– He is like a needle in a haystack, Bivens said in response to criticism from journalists on Tuesday.

The police have promised a reward of 25,000 dollars – approximately 250,000 Norwegian kroner – for information leading to Cavalcante’s arrest.