A former Pennsylvania police officer, who was facing serious child sexual assault charges, has been killed in a dramatic early morning shootout with law enforcement. The incident occurred after patrol officers recognised his vehicle and confronted him near his residence.
Details of the Fatal Confrontation
According to Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin Steele, Francis Connell Collier, aged 38, was fatally wounded at 3:48 a.m. on Wednesday in Bala Cynwyd, a location close to his home. The confrontation unfolded when Lower Merion Township officers, who were aware of the criminal charges against Collier, spotted him returning to his car.
"When they confronted him, Collier fired at the officers, who returned fire, fatally wounding Collier," Steele stated in an official release. This exchange of gunfire marked a violent end to a case that had been developing for months.
Background of the Allegations
Collier had been charged in a criminal complaint filed on Tuesday in Delaware County with multiple offenses, including child rape and endangering the welfare of children. The allegations stemmed from incidents more than two decades ago, involving two victims who were under the age of 13 at the time.
Police documents reveal that Collier failed a polygraph test in early December and subsequently told a detective "that he 'never intentionally touched the girls inappropriately.'" This statement was recorded in the probable cause affidavit, highlighting the ongoing investigation into his conduct.
Police Department's Response
Collier had been a member of the Morton Police Department in suburban Philadelphia until his resignation on December 19. He was initially placed on unpaid administrative leave in December after prosecutors informed the department of the investigation.
In a statement posted online, the Morton Police Department expressed deep concern, noting: "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."
Adding to the gravity of the situation, the affidavit indicated that the two victims had seen social media photos of Collier with children and were alarmed to learn he was part of a child abuse task force, raising further questions about his role and actions.
Legal and Procedural Aspects
At the time of his death, Collier did not have a defense lawyer on file, according to court officials. This lack of legal representation adds another layer of complexity to the case, which has now concluded with his death during the police confrontation.
The incident underscores the severe allegations against a former officer and the tragic outcome of a confrontation with law enforcement, leaving a community to grapple with the disturbing details of the charges and the violent end to the investigation.
