Danelo Cavalcante Eludes Manhunt Overnight In Dense Forest, Challenging Terrain

EASTERN PA — Another night is through and Danelo Cavalcante has continued to evade the massive search team of some 500 law enforcement officers from national, state, and local agencies.

The search, now focused on a three by two mile stretch of woods in the South Coventry Township area of northern Chester County, includes rolling terrain, dense forest, and several waterways that make searching very difficult.

See here for full coverage of the search for Danelo Cavalcante.

Police have not confirmed any further details on the search, nor have they announced their next press briefing. However, NBC10 reports that authorities recovered a backpack belonging to Cavalcante at around 8 p.m.

Cavalcante stole a .22 caliber rifle Monday night after a run-in with a local homeowner. The homeowner fired several shots that missed. Cavalcante does have ammunition for the weapon, police believe.

Officers have also dealt with extreme heat and humidity throughout the search, although recent days and nights have been mercifully cooler.

The search area remains the same as it was defined on Tuesday morning: bounded by Route 23 to the north, Route 100 to the east, and Nantmeal Road to the south.

Overnight scanner reports indicated that police investigated suspicious noises and sounds, including suspected gunshots, as well as a "heat signature" off Prizer Road, but most leads came up empty. In one case, what were believed to be gunshots was actually just a car engine starting.

Cavalcante is believed to be shirtless and wearing blue pants, armed with the .22 rifle he stole, as well as a flashlight.

Related: The Manhunt For Danelo Cavalcante: See Full Timeline

Owen J. Roberts School District is closed again on Wednesday.

If you see Cavalcante, do not approach and call 911 immediately.