'You will be caught': Person sought in theft of off-duty cop's car also wanted in PSU student murder
PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- UPDATE -- 19-year-old sought in car theft, PSU student murder case surrenders to Philadelphia police
A 19-year-old wanted in connection with the murder of Penn State student Billy Schmidt is now also a person of interest in the theft of an off-duty Philadelphia police officer's car, according to U.S. Marshals.
U.S. Marshals are searching for Kadafi Fleming, who authorities say is connected to two major investigations 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.
Police say the officer's Dodge Charger was taken around 3 a.m. in the city's Eastwick section.
SEE ALSO | Off-duty Philadelphia officer opens fire during car theft in Eastwick
Police say the officer followed the men to the 2900 block of South 70th Street, where gunfire was exchanged before the suspects fled in a stolen red Lexus that was later found.
Sources say the suspects later drove away in a blue Lexus that was also reported stolen.
"Anyone who shoots at police on or off duty we consider an immediate and deadly threat," Clark said.
Authorities say Fleming has a significant criminal history.
"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 say Fleming was already wanted for his alleged role in the June robbery and fatal shooting of Penn State student Billy Schmidt in South Philadelphia. Schmidt was shot and killed after police say his cellphone was stolen. Investigators believe Fleming stole the car used before the murder and then got rid of it afterward.
Fleming's 16-year-old brother, Azzubair Outen-Fleming, was captured by U.S. Marshals in Colorado and is facing murder charges in connection with Schmidt's death.
Kaiseem Smith, 16, is also in custody in connection with Schmidt's murder.
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.
Investigators are also now trying to figure out if a carjacking in Philadelphia's Parkside section is connected to the theft of the off-duty officer's car.
Police say a man was shot in the chest at 51st and Kershaw streets during a carjacking on Monday.
That shooting happened around 7:15 a.m. - just hours after the Eastwick incident and not far from where the getaway vehicle was ditched.
The Parkside victim was rushed to the hospital in stable condition.
Sources say the victim's gun and magazine were found on the sidewalk at the scene. Police say he has a permit to carry.
No arrests have been made in the Parkside shooting and no suspects have been nammed.
Anyone with information about Fleming or Smith's whereabouts is asked to contact authorities. A reward is being offered for his arrest.
