Montgomery County DA Clears Officers In Fatal Lower Merion Shooting
by Dan Doyle | DelawareValleyNews.com
NORRISTOWN, PA – March 26, 2026 — An investigation into a fatal officer-involved shooting in Lower Merion Township has concluded that the use of deadly force by police officers was lawful, according to Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin R. Steele.
The incident occurred in the early morning hours of Feb. 25, 2026, in the Bala Cynwyd section of Lower Merion Township. Two officers discharged their firearms during an encounter with Francis Collier, who was later found deceased inside a vehicle.
According to the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office, the investigation was conducted by the Montgomery County Detective Bureau, which handles officer-involved shootings as standard protocol. Authorities said detectives interviewed multiple officers, reviewed body-worn and dash camera footage, attended the autopsy, and collected physical evidence from the scene. Officials noted that the officers involved cooperated with investigators.
Investigators determined that Lower Merion Township Police had received information one day prior to the incident identifying Collier as a wanted individual. Authorities said he was sought by the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office on allegations including rape of a child and other felony offenses. Police were also aware that Collier, a former law enforcement officer, was believed to possess multiple firearms.
At approximately 1:56 a.m. on Feb. 25, a patrol officer located a Jeep Grand Cherokee associated with Collier parked outside a residence on Old Lancaster Road. Police reported observing a tactical vest and bags inside the vehicle, which they said are commonly used to store equipment and weapons.
Authorities said officers developed a plan to take Collier into custody when he exited the residence. At about 3:45 a.m., two officers observed him approach and enter the vehicle. As officers-initiated contact one exiting a patrol vehicle and another activating emergency lights, they reported hearing a gunshot from inside the Jeep and believed they were under fire. Investigators said a bullet exited the rear driver’s side window of the vehicle.
Police returned fire. Collier was later found in the back seat of the vehicle with multiple gunshot wounds, including one described by investigators as self-inflicted. A Sig Sauer semi-automatic pistol was recovered from his lap, authorities said. Additional firearms, including two rifles and another handgun, along with a ballistic vest, were also recovered from the vehicle.
“This was a dangerous situation where police were attempting to arrest an armed man on an arrest warrant,” Steele said in a statement. “Our investigation determined the facts of this case justified the use of deadly force by police officers.”
Under Pennsylvania law, the use of deadly force by law enforcement is governed by Title 18, Section 508 of the Crimes Code. The statute permits such force when an officer reasonably believes it is necessary to prevent death or serious bodily injury, or to stop an armed individual who poses an immediate threat to others.
No charges will be filed against the officers involved, according to the district attorney’s office.
Authorities have not released additional information regarding the identities of the officers.