Updated: Sept. 11, 4:03 p.m.
NORTH COVENTRY TOWNSHIP, Pa. (KYW Newsradio) — The search for convicted killer Danilo Calvalcante has rolled into its 12th day. Police say he has changed his appearance and traveled about 30 miles north from the original search perimeter set up near Longwood Gardens. Officials are now scouring North Coventry Township in Chester County.
On Saturday, police said Cavalcante stole a 2020 White Ford Transit van from Baily's Dairy, located in West Chester, about a mile from the Longwood Gardens search perimeter. How he broke containment from that heavily manned search area is not yet known.
Pennsylvania State Police said the keys to the van were left inside, which is how Cavalcante gained entry.
Lt. Col. George Bivens cautions residents to be extremely vigilant, as Cavalcante will take advantage of any property left around.
"Again, we asked residents to please secure homes, outbuildings and vehicles," he stressed. "This most recent incident is a reminder that he will take advantage of any opportunity to obtain items he needs."
That same evening, Calvalcante — now with shaved facial hair — was spotted on a Ring doorbell camera of a residence on Bonnie Brae Road in East Pikeland Township, near Phoenixville.
Bivens said Cavalcante had driven to the home of someone he knew, a former coworker, in East Pikeland Township. That person wasn’t home. Police were alerted about two hours later.
Police said Cavalcante abandoned the vehicle when it ran out of gas. They found the van Sunday morning in East Nantmeal Township.
Calvalcante was last seen wearing a yellow or green hoodie, a black baseball hat, green prison pants, and white shoes.
While believed to no longer be in that area, residents and business owners are on edge.
"Really, I’m just concerned with family members, my daughters and loved ones, making sure doors are locked and they’re safe," said Joe Kilroy, manager of a Dunkin’ in the area. "I was worried about my employees when I got here this morning and saw the police all in the area and they were looking for him."
Bivens said authorities believe Cavalcante is trying to find help to advance his escape. And he put out a warning to those who have assisted or plan on assisting him.
"To anyone who may have already offered assistance or is contemplating assisting Cavalcante in any way, we will prosecute you fully for those actions.”
Bivens says Cavalcante’s sister is in federal custody and has been entered into a deportation proceeding. He says she chose not to help him.
Police have an increased presence in Upper Providence Township and advise anyone in the area to remain inside and lock their cars and homes. Anyone with information is asked to call 911 or submit a tip at 717-562-2987.
Cavalcante, 34, escaped from the Chester County Prison while awaiting transfer to state prison on Aug. 31 after being sentenced to life for fatally stabbing his ex-girlfriend in 2021. Prosecutors said he wanted to stop her from telling police that he’s wanted in a killing in his home country of Brazil.
Bivens said Friday that about 400 personnel were taking part in the search around Longwood Gardens, including tactical teams, tracking dogs, and officers on horseback as well as aircraft.
Despite the massive searches, Bivens said the area had some underground tunnels and “very large drainage ditches” that were impossible to secure completely. Police had been planning to use close to 600 personnel Monday for “one massive sweep” of the search area, he said.
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Authorities have described Cavalcante as extremely dangerous. Police are asking anyone with information to call 911. A $25,000 reward is now being offered for information leading to his capture.
Authorities on Friday announced the firing of the prison tower guard on duty when Cavalcante scaled a wall by crab-walking up from the recreation yard, climbed over razor wire, ran across a roof and jumped to the ground. His escape went undetected for more than an hour until guards took a headcount.
Cavalcante’s escape and search have attracted international attention and become big news in Brazil, where prosecutors in Tocantins state said he’s accused of “double qualified homicide” in the 2017 slaying of Válter Júnior Moreira dos Reis in Figueirópolis, which they allege was over a debt the victim owed him in connection with the repair of a vehicle.
Correction: A previous version of this article misspelled Cavalcante's first name based on errors in official law enforcement and court documents.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.