Killer's Escape Prompts Chesco Prison Upgrades: Officials

WEST CHESTER, PA - Following the capture of Chester County Prison escapee Danelo Cavalcante after 13 days on the run, the Chester County commissioners will hold Town Hall meetings for residents, to provide an update on security enhancements at the jail.

The commissioners will also explain the emergency communication process for county residents, and offer counseling services for those who have experienced emotional stress related to the escape incident.

The first two Town Hall meetings are at 7 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 18, and 7 p.m., on Wednesday, Sept. 20, both at Pocopson Elementary School, 1105 Pocopson Road, West Chester.

The escape

Cavalcante escaped from Chester County Prison at 8:50 a.m. on Aug. 31 by scaling two walls by bracing himself between the walls with his hands and feet and crab-walking up to a roof. The officer on duty in the prison tower was fired for not noticing the escape.

Cavalcante was on the run for 13 days until he was captured Wednesday morning, Sept. 13, in a wooded area of South Coventry Township, Chester County A border patrol K9 dog bit Cavalcante’s scalp, helping troopers take the fugitive into custody, police said.

Cavalcante was taken to the state Correctional Institute at Phoenix, Skippack Township, Montgomery County, after his capture.

The aftermath

Following the escape, the county brought in security contractors to review what is necessary to secure the prison to prevent escapes, the commissioners reported.

“The nightmare of the past two weeks may have concluded with the capture of Cavalcante, but there are many questions that we know our residents have, especially those who live close to the prison,” County Commissioners Marian Moskowitz, Josh Maxwell and Michelle Kichline said in a joint statement.

The commissioners said the town halls will give the county officials the chance to listen to residents and answer their questions.

Also attending the meeting will be Acting Warden Howard Holland; Bill Messerschmidt, director of emergency services; and a Disaster Crisis Outreach Referral Team to provide counseling.

“We stand ready to bring the resources of Chester County to bear, to support residents as they process and recover from this incident,” the commissioners said.

Additional Town Hall meetings will be scheduled as needed.