Police Searching Landfill in Connection to Missing Anoka County Teen

May 28

*Jordan Collins Jr.* ***Via Anoka County Sheriff’s Office***

Authorities are asking for the public’s help in locating a missing teenager who hasn’t been seen since earlier this month in Columbia Heights.

Sixteen-year-old Jordan Collins Jr., known to friends and family as “Manny,” was last seen on May 8 near the 4900 block of University Avenue Northeast.

According to law enforcement, he was wearing a white ribbed tank top and red-and-black plaid pants at the time. Manny is described as 5'8", 140 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes.

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The Columbia Heights Police Department and Anoka County Sheriff’s Office are leading the investigation with assistance from the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, FBI, National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and Northstar Search and Rescue. Officials say there has been no known activity on Manny’s phone or social media accounts since he went missing.

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Searches have been conducted in the area where Manny was last seen, including nearby parks and residential neighborhoods. Investigators have interviewed several people and are processing forensic evidence. A person of interest has been identified, but no arrests or charges have been made, authorities said Wednesday.

Investigators are asking people who live or work near the 4900 block of University Avenue Northeast to check their property for anything suspicious. Residents and business owners are also urged to review security footage from May 8 to May 12 for any signs of Manny or suspicious activity. Tips and surveillance footage can be submitted to the Minnesota BCA at 1-877-996-6222.

UPDATE | Friday, June 6

The Anoka County Sheriff’s Office says officers from multiple agencies are now conducting a search at the Waste Management Landfill in the city of Elk River in relation to Collins’ disappearance. It remains an active investigation and no other information has been released yet.

“Law enforcement remains committed to using all available resources to conduct a thorough investigation in order to find Manny and bring answers to his family,” the sheriff’s office said in a written statement at 11:15 a.m. on Friday, June 6.

Anyone with information about Manny’s disappearance is urged to contact the BCA Tip Line at 1-877-996-6222 or email bca.tips@state.mn.us

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