Ex-officer wanted for child rape charges shot and killed by police in Lower Merion, Pennsylvania, DA says
This story includes references to an alleged sexual assault. If you or someone you know needs help, the RAINN National Sexual Assault Hotline (800-656-HOPE) and the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (Dial 988) can help.
An ex-police officer wanted on child rape charges was shot and killed by police in Lower Merion Township, Pennsylvania, Wednesday morning, authorities say.
Francis Connell Collier, 38, was approached by Lower Merion officers shortly before 4 a.m. Wednesday, in the area of Old Lancaster Road near City Avenue in Bala Cynwyd, according to the Montgomery County District Attorney's Office.
Officers saw Collier's vehicle first and confronted him as he returned to it, the DA's office said. Collier then fired at the officers, who returned fire and fatally shot him, according to the DA.
Collier, who previously worked as a part-time officer for the Morton Police Department in Delaware County, was charged on Tuesday with counts of endangering the welfare of a child, incest of a minor and several other offenses, according to a court docket.
According to Morton Police, the charges were related to incidents that took place when Collier may have been a teenager. The Morton Police Department said they were contacted by the Delaware County District Attorney's Office back in December regarding the investigation and Collier was immediately placed on unpaid administrative leave. He then resigned from the Morton Police Department on Dec. 19, 2025.
"The Morton Police Department is deeply troubled by the serious allegations against a former officer," the department said in a statement Wednesday. "The conduct described in the charges is profoundly disturbing and wholly inconsistent with the standards and values expected of those who serve our community."
The department said there have been no allegations of criminal conduct against Collier during his tenure as a Morton officer.
The Delaware County District Attorney's Office said the allegations made against Collier "represent profound violations of trust."
"Although the defendant's death brings the criminal case to an end, it does not erase the seriousness of the allegations or the harm that he caused," Delaware County District Attorney Tanner Rouse said. "We recognize the immense courage it takes to speak out, and we remain committed to supporting survivors."
Caution tape and several law enforcement vehicles, as well as evidence markers, could be seen in the area near the shooting scene Wednesday morning.
This area where the shooting occurred is adjacent to St. Joseph's University campus and is on the border of Philadelphia and Montgomery County.
Lower Merion police posted on Facebook early Wednesday morning, telling residents that "the incident is contained and there is no threat to the public."
