Homeowner Opens Fire at Escaped Convict, Danelo Cavalcante, in Southeast Pennsylvania

On Monday night, a homeowner in southeast Pennsylvania opened fire at an intruder who was later identified as escaped convict Danelo Cavalcante. According to Pennsylvania State Police, the homeowner called police at 10:10 p.m. ET to report that a short Hispanic man wearing no shirt and dark pants had entered the garage while the homeowner was in it and grabbed a .22 rifle leaning in the corner.

The homeowner opened fire at the man, who was said by police to be Cavalcante, several times as he “fled with the rifle.” State police Lt. Col. George Bivens said at a morning press conference that Cavalcante is now believed to be armed with a .22-caliber rifle featuring a mounted scope and flashlight.

Cavalcante, 34, escaped from the Chester County Prison west of Philadelphia nearly two weeks ago. He is seen clean-shaven and wearing a hooded sweatshirt in stills from a front door’s security camera near Phoenixville, Pennsylvania, on Saturday.

Bivens said he believed Cavalcante was desperate enough to use the weapon he had stolen. He urged anyone who sees Cavalcante to call 911 and not to approach him. Cavalcante is considered dangerous and should not be approached. Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to contact the Pennsylvania State Police.