A 19-year-old sought in the killing of Penn State student Billy Schmidt is also a person of interest in the theft of an off-duty Philadelphia police officer’s vehicle, U.S. Marshals said.
U.S. Marshals are looking for Kadafi Fleming, who investigators say is linked to two major cases in Philadelphia.
“We have a very good reputation for catching people, and you will be caught; it’s only a matter of time,” said Robert Clark, Supervisory Deputy U.S. Marshal.
According to police, the officer’s Dodge Charger was stolen around 3 a.m. in the Eastwick section of the city.
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Police said the officer trailed the suspects to the 2900 block of South 70th Street, where shots were fired before the suspects ran off in a stolen red Lexus that was eventually recovered.
Sources indicated the suspects then left the area in a blue Lexus that had also been reported stolen.
“Anyone who shoots at police on or off duty we consider an immediate and deadly threat,” Clark said.
Authorities said Fleming has an extensive criminal background.
“This is an individual that at 19 years old has a significant criminal history. He’s been locked up for firearms, possession, resisting arrest, possession of a stolen vehicle,” the official said. “He is someone that’s known to the law.”
Investigators said Fleming was already wanted for his alleged part in the June robbery and fatal shooting of Penn State student Billy Schmidt in South Philadelphia. Schmidt was shot and killed after police said his cellphone was taken. Investigators believe Fleming stole the car used before the murder and then disposed of it afterward.
Fleming’s 16-year-old brother, Azzubair Outen-Fleming, was taken into custody by U.S. Marshals in Colorado and is facing murder charges in connection with Schmidt’s death.
Police are also still looking for a second suspect, identified as 16-year-old Kaiseem Smith.
Kadafi Fleming faces robbery, conspiracy, theft and obstruction of justice charges in connection with that case.
“My message to him would be the same that I gave to his brother almost two months ago: surrender now or be caught later,” Clark said.
Anyone with information about Fleming or Smith’s whereabouts is asked to contact authorities. A reward is being offered for his arrest.