Danilo Cavalcante, the convicted murderer who escaped from a Pennsylvania prison nearly two weeks ago, is now believed to be armed, Pennsylvania State Police said early Tuesday.
Police said they were pursuing Cavalcante into South Coventry Township in Chester County. Pennsylvania State Police urged residents to close all doors and windows, secure vehicles and stay indoors.
With the search moved to South Coventry Township, Owen J. Roberts District schools will be closed Tuesday.
Multiple local media outlets, Including the Philadelphia Inquirer, It was reported that Cavalcante broke into a house in the area on Monday and stole a rifle. The Inquirer also reported that shots were fired during the incident.
The reward for information leading to Cavalcante’s capture has reached $25,000.
Cavalcante’s escape from the Chester County Jail on Aug. 31 came two weeks after he was convicted of first-degree murder in the 2021 killing of his ex-girlfriend, 33-year-old Deborah Brandao.
The U.S. Marshals Service has said Cavalcante is also wanted in his home country of Brazil in connection with a 2017 murder case.
Earlier he was seen over the weekend when he tried to contact one of his colleagues.
Pennsylvania police urge anyone with information to call 911 or the tip line at (717) 562-2987.