A school district in southeastern Pennsylvania has closed all of its schools and offices due to an ongoing manhunt for an escaped inmate, Danelo Cavalcante, who is considered armed. The superintendent of the Owen J. Roberts School District in Pottstown cited increased police activity related to the pursuit of the escaped inmate as the reason for the closure, emphasizing the safety and security of students and staff as their top priority.
Cavalcante, 34, escaped from Chester County Prison nearly two weeks ago and has remained on the run. During his escape, he allegedly stole a pair of work boots and a .22 caliber rifle from a resident’s garage. There have been reports of break-ins and shots fired in the area where he is thought to be hiding.
Authorities are urging residents not to approach Cavalcante but to call 911 if they see him. He was serving a life sentence for first-degree murder in the death of an ex-girlfriend in 2021 and is also wanted for homicide in his home country of Brazil.
The manhunt has involved hundreds of officers, and authorities have described Cavalcante’s actions as desperate, suggesting he doesn’t have a strong support network. He is believed to have changed his appearance and evaded law enforcement perimeters during his escape.
The situation has prompted heightened security measures in the affected area, with residents advised to lock doors and windows and stay indoors. Police continue their efforts to locate and apprehend the escaped inmate.