PHILADELPHIA — Authorities are searching for 19-year-old Kadafi Fleming, who is wanted as a person of interest in connection with an attempted carjacking involving an off-duty Philadelphia police officer in Southwest Philadelphia.
According to the U.S. Marshals Service, the incident occurred Monday morning in the 2900 block of South 70th Street. Investigators said an off-duty officer was targeted in an attempted carjacking, during which gunfire was exchanged.
Fleming is being sought in connection with an aggravated assault investigation stemming from the encounter. Authorities have not publicly detailed whether anyone was injured during the exchange of gunfire or provided additional information about how the attempted carjacking unfolded.
The case has attracted additional attention because Fleming is the older brother of 16-year-old Azzubair Outen-Fleming, who is charged in the June 6 killing of Penn State student Billy Schmidt in South Philadelphia.
Schmidt was fatally shot near 20th and Durfor streets on June 6. Outen-Fleming was later captured by U.S. Marshals in Colorado. Another defendant, Kaiseem Smith, surrendered to Philadelphia police. Both teenagers have been charged with murder and related offenses in connection with Schmidt’s death.
Authorities also say Kadafi Fleming is wanted on a robbery charge related to the Schmidt investigation, adding another dimension to the ongoing search for him.
The Schmidt case has also resulted in charges against Outen-Fleming’s stepfather, Donte Abdulmalik. Prosecutors allege that Abdulmalik helped the teenager leave the area following the killing. He faces charges including hindering apprehension, obstruction of justice and tampering with evidence.
Following Schmidt’s death, hundreds of relatives, friends and community members gathered for a vigil to remember the Penn State student and call for accountability.
Investigators continue to search for Fleming as they investigate both the attempted carjacking and his alleged connection to the Schmidt case. Authorities have urged anyone with information about his whereabouts to contact law enforcement.
The allegations against Fleming have not been proven in court. He is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. Likewise, all defendants charged in connection with Schmidt’s death are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
