Chester County to hold town hall meetings after Danelo Cavalcante prison escape
POPCOPSON TOWNSHIP, Pa. (CBS) -- Chester County officials will hold the first of two town hall meetings Monday night to discuss Danelo Cavalcante's prison escape.
Officials will also be providing information about increased security measures, emergency communication and counseling support for residents.
"We're staying here. You need to be a better neighbor," David Armstrong said.
READ MORE: Danelo Cavalcante capture: Doctor explains emotional toll of manhunt
He said that is what he wanted to say to prison officials, after nearly two weeks of watching his back.
Following the successful capture of Danelo Cavalcante, #Chesco Commissioners will hold Town Hall meetings for residents to provide information on Prison security enhancements, explain the emergency communications process and offer counseling services. https://t.co/lA4kwQa2ZI pic.twitter.com/UDgdA2rDRF
— Chester County Government (@ChescoGovt) September 13, 2023
Armstrong lived in the neighborhood behind Chester County Prison where Cavalcante escaped on Thursday, August 31. He remembered considering carrying his gun just to go to the camper in his driveway.
READ MORE: Thermal imaging surveillance video shows Danelo Cavalcante on day he was caught
"I could not go from my garage to that camper without turning behind me, 'What have I left behind?'" Armstrong said.
"We have to regain their trust," Josh Maxwell, chair of the county prison board, said.
He said he knows neighbors would want answers after two prison breaks in just a few months. He added that officials were already installing new equipment at the prison on Monday.
"Including fencing over all the yards, so there won't be a way to climb up and access the roof even if you can navigate razor wire," Maxwell said.
This was after video showed Cavalcante crawling up a wall and out of the prison.
Dave Pace, who also lived near the prison, was skeptical.
"I don't know if that's a worthwhile expenditure, Pace said.
He said he felt safe living near the prison before learning of Calvacante's criminal history.
READ MORE: Security footage played key role in capturing Danelo Cavalcante: police
"We did because we thought it was like low security. We didn't know we were having maximum security type individuals in the prison, Pace said.
At Willowdale Produce nearby, clerk Maria Romero remembered losing business in the final days of the nearly two-week manhunt.
"A lot of people, I guess, they were scared to come out and we didn't have much clients, Romero said.
That fear is why Maxwell said there will be mental-health professionals at the town hall. There will also be a chance for the public to comment on the changes.
"We want to get their input. They deserve to be heard," Maxwell said.
The town hall meetings will be Monday, Sept. 18 and Wednesday, Sept. 20 at 7 p.m. at Pocopson Elementary at 1105 Pocopson Rd, West Chester, PA 19382.