Escaped murderer: Police widen search for Danelo Cavalcante as 'desperate' fugitive steals rifle

On Tuesday, Pennsylvania State Police told locals within an eight to ten-mile radius of South Coventry Township to lock all the doors and windows at their homes.

In a desperate plea, people have been told to ensure all vehicles are kept secure and to call 911 should the fugitive be spotted.

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A $25,000 (£20,000) reward is also up for grabs for any information leading to his capture.

Lieutenant Colonel George Bivens of Pennsylvania State Police said Cavalcante is likely to be armed after he managed to steal a rifle on Monday evening.

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He was shot at as he made his escape after obtaining the rifle from a garage, but he is not believed to be injured.

Bivens added that he believes Cavalcante is “desperate” and “doesn’t have what he needs to last long-term”.

In a press briefing, he said: “Teams are currently being rotated out and replaced with fresh teams.

“Aviation assets, canines, mounted pistols and numerous other assets have been mobilised and are currently operating in the search area.

“Upwards of 500 law enforcement officers are engaged in securing the perimeter and in conducting the searches.

“Cavalcante is considered armed and extremely dangerous. He is now armed with a 22-caliber rifle with a scope and a flashlight mounted on it.”

Cavalcante was able to escape from the eight-mile search perimeter over the weekend using a stolen dairy delivery van.

The vehicle was later found abandoned 20 miles further north, where he had looked to get support from two former colleagues.

If Cavalcante continues to not surrender willingly, Bivens confirmed that state police have been given permission to use force.

He broke out of Chester County Prison on August 31 while he was awaiting transfer to a different facility.

He managed to crab-walk up walls in the recreation yard, before running across a roof and jumping onto the ground outside the prison.

His escape went undetected for more than an hour until a headcount was carried out.

The on-duty tower guard at the time of his escape has since been fired, according to officials.