Fugitive killer eludes Pennsylvania police for eighth day as wary residents keep a watchful eye

WEST CHESTER, Pa. — An escaped murderer on the run in southeast Pennsylvania has so far eluded hundreds of law officers — including tactical teams in full combat gear, tracking dogs, cops on horseback and aircraft — as the search entered its second week Thursday and nervous residents stayed alert for any sign of the fugitive.

Danelo Souza Cavalcante, a 34-year-old from Brazil, escaped from the Chester County Prison on Aug. 31 by scaling a wall, climbing over razor wire and jumping from a roof.

The breakout mirrored an earlier escape there in May and wasn’t detected by guards for a full hour, authorities say.

“This is an outrage. It never should have happened,” said Chester County District Attorney Deb Ryan at a news conference.

Since the escape, there have been eight sightings that police believe could be Cavalcante, the latest around noon Thursday, said state police Lt. Col. George Bivens.

A civilian saw someone who looked like Cavalcante running through an area near Longwood Gardens, one of the country’s top botanical gardens. A surveillance camera on a trail had captured Cavalcante walking through the garden grounds Monday night.

Residents were on edge but comforted by the police presence.

“I’ve never felt more scared and more safe at the same time. It’s a really strange feeling,” said Jennie Brown, whose neighborhood is about 1.5 miles (2.4 kilometers) from the jail.

“Many neighbors had a police officer on their deck with a machine gun while they slept,” said Brown, 53, who is coordinating donations of water and other supplies for the searchers.

Authorities have told them Cavalcante is getting more desperate, Brown said.

“I’m sure he is. I’m sure he’s hot and tired and emaciated.”

Bivens said the fugitive has managed to get ahold of clothing and unknown supplies, and there’s now a $20,000 reward for information.