A former part-time police officer wanted on multiple child rape charges was shot and killed early Wednesday after opening fire on Lower Merion Township officers near Saint Joseph’s University, authorities said.
Police identified the man as Francis Connell Collier, 38, a former officer with the Morton Borough Police Department in Delaware County.
According to authorities, officers observed Collier around 3:48 a.m. Wednesday on the unit block of Old Lancaster Road near City Avenue in Bala Cynwyd. As officers approached him while he was getting into his vehicle, Collier fired at police. Officers returned fire, fatally wounding him.
The location is just blocks from Saint Joseph’s University. Authorities said no students or university personnel were involved in the incident.
A neighbor’s doorbell camera captured the sound of multiple gunshots during the exchange.
Collier had been charged Tuesday by the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office following a months-long investigation into allegations of child sexual abuse.
Court records show he faced charges including:
- Rape of a child
- Involuntary deviate sexual intercourse with a child
- Aggravated indecent assault of a child
- Indecent assault
- Corruption of minors
- Sexual abuse of children
Prosecutors said the alleged abuse occurred more than 20 years ago and involved victims who were under 13 years old at the time. Prosecutors said multiple victims were involved.
Authorities said the investigation began in December 2025 after one of the victims came forward.
Social media posts and photographs helped corroborate aspects of the allegations, contributing to the case moving forward.
One of the victims, Tori Payne, spoke publicly after Collier’s death.
“There was, you know, sadness, anger. Sadness mainly for my childhood self,” Payne told 6abc.
She said she decided to report the abuse after seeing Collier around children in recent years.
“Once I saw him with children, it lit a fire in me that just told me that it was my due diligence to protect any future children,” Payne said.
Collier had been placed on unpaid administrative leave by the Morton Borough Police Department during the investigation. He resigned on December 19, 2025.
Following the filing of charges, the department issued a statement: “The Morton Police Department is deeply troubled by the serious allegations against a former officer. The conduct described in the charges is profoundly disturbing and wholly inconsistent with the standards and values expected of those who serve our community.”
Because Collier was killed during the attempted arrest, the criminal prosecution will not proceed.
Delaware County District Attorney Tanner Rouse said, “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. We recognize the immense courage it takes to speak out, and we remain committed to supporting survivors.”
