A man wanted on child rape charges was fatally shot by Lower Merion Police Wednesday after he opened fire on the officers, authorities said.
Feb 25, 2026 8:38 am EST | Updated Feb 25, 2026 1:58 pm EST
BALA CYNWYD, PA — A former police officer in Delaware County wanted on child rape charges was fatally shot by Lower Merion Police officers near St. Joseph’s University’s campus early Wednesday morning after he opened fire on them in what some are calling a “suicide by cop,” according to authorities.
Francis Connell Collier, 38, of Bala Cynwyd, was wanted by the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office on charges of rape of a child, the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office said.
Collier’s vehicle was spotted by Lower Merion Police at about 3:48 a.m. on Old Lancaster Road near City Avenue in Bala Cynwyd, according to authorities.
Officers saw Collier returning to his vehicle, and when they confronted him, he fired at the officers, the DA’s office said. The officers returned fire, fatally wounding Collier, according to authorities.
Montgomery County Detectives are investigating the shooting.
Further details on the incident were not shared.
Morton Borough Police said Collier was placed on leave from the department, then resigned on Dec. 19, after they learned about an investigation into “an incident(s) that took place many years ago when Francis Collier may have been a teenager.”
Police learned of the charges Tuesday, and said no allegations of criminal conduct have been levied against him during his tenure as a Morton Police officer.
“The Morton Police Department is deeply troubled by the serious allegations against a former officer,” police said in a statement. “The conduct described in the charges is profoundly disturbing and wholly inconsistent with the standards and values expected of those who serve our community. Although this individual is no longer employed by the Department, we are fully cooperating with all appropriate law enforcement authorities. Our Department remains steadfast in its mission to protect the safety, dignity, and rights of all members of our community.”
Court records show Collier was charged Tuesday with rape of a child, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse with a person less than 16 years of age, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse with a child, endangering the welfare of children, incest of a minor, aggravated indecent assault of a child, indecent assault of a person less than 13 years of age, and simple assault. These charges were filed by the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office in Delaware County.
The incident date listed on his court docket sheet for the charges is Dec. 1, 2025.
The Delaware County District office is “deeply troubled by the tragic and disturbing developments involving Officer Francis Collier” and said the allegations “represent profound violations of trust and have doubtlessly caused unfathomable harm,” according to a news release.
“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 in a statement. “We recognize the immense courage it takes to speak out, and we remain committed to supporting survivors.”
The Delaware County District Attorney’s office said anyone impacted by these circumstances is encouraged to seek support from trusted resources, loved ones, or professional services.
RAINN’s National Sexual Assault Hotline can be reached at 800-656-HOPE and Friends for Survival’s Suicide Loss Support Helpline can be reached at 800-646-7322.