Former Pennsylvania Officer Accused of Child Rape Killed in Shootout with Police

Francis Connell Collier, a former Morton police officer, was fatally shot after confronting officers who recognized his vehicle.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A former Pennsylvania police officer accused of sexually assaulting two young girls more than two decades ago was killed early Wednesday during a gunfire exchange with police who recognized his vehicle and confronted him in Bala Cynwyd, near his home. Francis Connell Collier, 38, had resigned from the Morton Police Department in suburban Philadelphia in December after being placed on leave due to the investigation.

Why it matters

The case highlights the serious allegations against a former law enforcement officer and the tragic outcome when police confront a suspect accused of such disturbing crimes. It raises questions about background checks, oversight, and accountability within police departments.

The details

A criminal complaint filed Tuesday in Delaware County accused Collier of child rape, endangering the welfare of children, and related sex offenses. The victims were under the age of 13 at the time. Collier failed a polygraph in early December and told a detective afterward 'that he 'never intentionally touched the girls inappropriately.'' Lower Merion Township officers on patrol knew Collier was facing criminal charges and saw him returning to his car, leading to the confrontation where Collier fired at the officers, who returned fire and fatally wounded him.

  • The alleged incidents occurred more than two decades ago.
  • Collier was placed on unpaid administrative leave in December 2025 when prosecutors informed the department of the investigation.
  • Collier resigned from the Morton Police Department on December 19, 2025.
  • The shootout occurred at 3:48 a.m. on February 25, 2026.

The players

Francis Connell Collier

A 38-year-old former police officer with the Morton Police Department in suburban Philadelphia who was accused of child rape and other sex offenses.

Kevin Steele

The Montgomery County District Attorney who provided details on the confrontation between Collier and police.

Morton Police Department

The suburban Philadelphia police department where Collier previously worked and was placed on leave due to the investigation.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The conduct described in the charges is profoundly disturbing and wholly inconsistent with the standards and values expected of those who serve our community.”

— Morton Police Department (theheraldreview.com)

“When they confronted him, Collier fired at the officers, who returned fire, fatally wounding Collier.”

— Kevin Steele, Montgomery County District Attorney (theheraldreview.com)

What’s next

Authorities will continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shootout and Collier's alleged crimes.

The takeaway

This tragic incident underscores the need for rigorous background checks, ongoing monitoring, and strong accountability measures within law enforcement to prevent such disturbing allegations from occurring in the first place and to ensure public trust.