Former police officer accused of child rape killed in shootout with police in Lower Merion

Former police officer accused of child rape killed in shootout with police in Lower Merion

Police shot and killed a former police officer accused of child rape during an exchange of gunfire near St. Joe's campus early Wednesday morning.

PHILADELPHIA - Police shot and killed a child rape suspect during an exchange of gunfire near St. Joe's campus early Wednesday morning. 

What we know:

Francis Connell Collier, 38, was recently charged in Montgomery County with the alleged rape of a child.

Officers from the Lower Merion Police Department spotted Collier returning to his vehicle on Old Lancaster Road around 4 a.m.

When police approached Collier, investigators say he opened fire on the officers. They returned fire, fatally wounding Collier.

The backstory:

Court documents shed light on the heinous accusations made against Collier, who was accused of sexually assaulting two young girls when he was a teenager.

Law enforcement sources say Collier was previously sworn in as a member of the Delaware County District Attorney’s Office Child Abuse and Exploitation Task Force while serving as a Darby Borough police officer. 

Morton Police confirm Collier most recently worked as an officer there but was placed on unpaid administrative leave in December after the investigation began, then resigned on December 19. 

Officers continued their investigation at the scene into the afternoon, using metal detectors, a firetruck ladder, a drone, and a robotic K-9 to search Collier’s third-floor apartment.

What they're saying:

The Morton Township Police Department shared a statement on the "profoundly disturbing" allegations.

"The Morton Police Department is deeply troubled by the serious allegations against a former officer," the statement posted to the department's Facebook read. "The conduct described in the charges is profoundly disturbing and wholly inconsistent with the standards and values expected of those who serve our community."

The Delaware County District Attorney, Tanner Rouse, said Collier's death "does not erase the seriousness of the allegations or the harm that [Collier] caused."

"We recognize the immense courage it takes to speak out, and we remain committed to supporting the survivors," Rouse continued.

Neighbors express concern for community safety 

"It’s a surprise to say the least," said Sean Teaford, a neighbor. "It concerns me there’s a lot of children around here... I have my son part of the week too and thankfully an individual like that is no longer around kids," said Teaford.