Yoda, a Border Patrol K9 from El Paso Texas, helped subdue the escaped Pennsylvania murder convict, Danelo Cavalcante, on Wednesday, September 13.
The four-year-old Belgian Malinois Shepherd ended the two-week long manhunt for Cavalcante, who, according to NBC News, broke out of prison on August 31.
For nearly two weeks, Cavalcante was able to elude SWAT, FBI, state, federal, local enforcement officers, tracking dogs, and even police on horseback and on aircraft.
Not until the Border Patrol’s tactical unit (BORTAC) finally made the capture in South Coventry Township on Wednesday morning, according to The Philadelphia Inquirer.
BORTAC released Yoda after the murder convict tried to flee the Border Patrol and state police officers who had surrounded him.
A US Border Patrol spokesperson who talked to The Philadelphia Inquirer said, “Border Patrol agents and [Yoda] surprised Cavalcante, who surrendered without firing his weapon.”
Reports said that Yoda bit Cavalcante’s scalp and left a huge scalp wound that bled into his face.
But Yoda didn’t stop there. The dog also latched onto the escaped killer’s thigh, Deputy U.S. Marshal Robert Clark said, “at which time, Cavalcante submitted.”
Clark also said, “I think he was in pain at that point. He was probably in excruciating pain.”
State Police Lt. Col. George Bivens, in a news conference on Wednesday, highlights the important roles that K9s play in safely subduing subjects.
He said, “K9s play a very important role, not only for tracking but also in a circumstance like this, safely capturing someone.”
“Far better than having a patrol dog subdue the individual and then have to use lethal force. Our intention is always to use other means,” Bivens added.
A Border Patrol spokesperson tells The Independent, “Today’s actions are the latest demonstration of how our agents and officers bring incredible capability, additional interagency communications technology, and dedication to keep our communities safe.”
“Most importantly, all those involved in the search were able to return home safe following the end to this manhunt,” they continued
