Lower Merion police officers fatally shoot man wanted on child rape charges, investigators say

Lower Merion police investigating ‘incident’ near City Avenue
Photo credit Tim Jimenez/KYW Newsradio

PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Lower Merion police are investigating after officers shot and killed a man in Bala Cynwyd who was wanted on child rape charges. The Montgomery County District Attorney's Office said the suspect fired at officers first.

It happened just before 4 a.m. Wednesday on Old Lancaster Road, near City Avenue. Police on patrol spotted a car belonging to 38-year-old Francis Connell Collier, who was wanted by the Pennsylvania Attorney General's Office on child rape and other sexual assault charges, officials said.

When officers confronted Collier, investigators said he fired at them. The officers returned fire, fatally striking Collier.

St. Joseph's University is across the street on City Avenue, but there was no indication that the incident was impacting operations at the school.

This is a developing story. Stay with KYW Newsradio for the latest.

Featured Image Photo Credit: Tim Jimenez/KYW Newsradio