Escaped murderer Danelo Cavalcante steals rifle, outwits huge US manhunt
- Escaped murderer Danelo Cavalcante shot at by homeowner in Chester County, Pennsylvania while stealing a rifle
- Hundreds of state and local police along with federal agents have joined a manhunt for the Brazilian that began August 31
Schools outside Philadelphia were closed and residents told to lock their doors after an escaped Brazilian murderer dodged gunfire to steal a rifle from a home and was declared “extremely dangerous”.
Danelo Cavalcante, who made a daring escape from Chester County Prison nearly two weeks ago, has become the subject of fear and fascination for Americans as he avoids police dogs, drones, helicopters and special armed units.
Authorities set up roadblocks in the wooded, rural area around Bucktown, Pennsylvania, where elite SWAT police and armoured vehicles were also deployed.
Although police have failed to corner the convicted killer, the Brazilian national has popped up repeatedly on residential security footage and even nature cameras set up to monitor wildlife, turning his criminal exploits into a grim reality TV show.
Since climbing over his prison wall on August 31, the 34-year-old has been able to steal new clothing, food and a van which he later abandoned, and managed to get a shave.