Khadfi Fleming wanted for a robbery linked to the killing of Penn State student Billy Schmidt is now also being sought as a person of interest in a separate Philadelphia shooting involving an off-duty police officer, according to the U.S. Marshals Service.
Authorities said the off-duty officer exchanged gunfire with suspected car thieves early Monday after they allegedly targeted his Dodge Charger. The officer followed the suspects and confronted them, leading to shots being fired. Investigators do not believe anyone was struck.
Detectives later recovered the officer’s vehicle with a broken window and damage to the steering column, along with multiple 9mm shell casings. Authorities said the suspects then moved to another stolen car, a Lexus that was later found abandoned.
The U.S. Marshals Service has publicly identified Fleming, 19, as a person of interest in the aggravated assault on the officer and announced an immediate cash reward for information leading to his whereabouts. Officials said Fleming has not been charged in connection with Monday’s incident.
Khadfi Fleming wanted in robbery tied to Billy Schmidt
Even before the latest case, law enforcement had been searching for Fleming on a robbery charge connected to the June 6 killing of Billy Schmidt, 22. Schmidt, a Penn State student, was fatally shot around 1:30 a.m. while walking home in South Philadelphia after an NBA Finals watch party. Surveillance video captured him asking for his stolen phone before a gunshot was heard.
Two 16-year-olds were identified as suspects in the killing. The U.S. Marshals Service arrested Azzubair Outen-Fleming in Colorado Springs about a month after Schmidt’s death. Authorities said he was found at a relative’s home and initially attempted to conceal his identity.
Philadelphia police officials said he would face a murder charge. The second teen, Kaiseem Smith, later surrendered to police. Officials said both 16-year-olds would be charged as adults in the June 6 robbery and shooting.
Schmidt was studying digital journalism and media at Penn State and was expected to graduate in December. His father has described him as someone who cared for others and avoided trouble.
Two months after Schmidt’s killing, investigators are appealing for the public’s help to locate the elder Fleming as they examine whether he had any role in the Monday confrontation with the off-duty officer. A similar community response was seen when victims were identified in an Idaho In-N-Out shooting.
Anyone with information on Fleming’s whereabouts is urged to contact the U.S. Marshals Service at 1-866-865-TIPS (8477).