Man facing Upper Darby charges, shot in Lower Merion was a former officer

Francis Collier, who died early Wednesday morning after pulling out his gun and shooting at Lower Merion police officers who approached him, had been a cop himself–in Morton Borough.

Collier, 38, was charged Tuesday by the state Attorney General with sexually assaulting a child in a case that came from Upper Darby.  Morton Police posted a release on the borough’s Facebook page on Wednesday saying that they were contacted about Collier in December and at that time placed him on unpaid administrative leave. Collier resigned Dec. 19.

“There have been no allegations of criminal conduct against him during his tenure as a Morton Police officer,” the release said.

Authorities told Fideri News Network that Collier was also on the DA’s Task Force for Child Abuse and Exploitation.

The Morton Police Department added that they are “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.”

According to court documents, Collier was wanted on multiple felony charges for child rape, aggravated indecent assault with a child less than 13 years old, deviate sexual intercourse with a child, and endangering the welfare of a child.  

 Lower Merion Township Police officers on patrol had spotted a vehicle belonging to Collier who was wanted by the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office. When they tried to approach Collier, he shot at them, officials said. The officers returned fire, shooting and killing Collier on Old Lancaster Road near the St. Joseph University campus in Bala Cynwyd at 3:48 a.m. 

A spokesman for state Attorney General Dave Sunday said, “Prior to the Wednesday morning incident, Mr. Collier had not been taken into custody or arraigned on the charges.”

An investigation into the police-involved shooting is being conducted by Montgomery County detectives, as per county protocol, Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin Steele announced earlier. 

For previous coverage of the events, visit https://upperdarbynow.com/news/2026/feb/25/detectives-investigate-police-involved-shooting-in/.