BREAKING: Search For Missing Columbia Heights Teen Manny Collins Escalates With Intensive Landfill Operation In Elk River.

BREAKING: Search For Missing Columbia Heights Teen Manny Collins Escalates With Intensive Landfill Operation In Elk River.

ELK RIVER, MN – June 6, 2025 – A significant search operation is currently underway at the Waste Management Landfill in Elk River, Minnesota, as law enforcement agencies intensify their efforts to locate Jordan "Manny" Collins Jr., a 16-year-old Columbia Heights teenager who has been missing since May 8.

The Anoka County Sheriff's Office confirmed Friday that the multi-agency search at the landfill is directly related to Collins' disappearance. While authorities have not disclosed what specific information led them to the landfill, Commander Wayne Heath stated in a Friday afternoon press conference that investigators are "looking for evidence that can help us identify the whereabouts of Manny." Heath emphasized that the search is for evidence, not human remains.

Collins, commonly known as Manny, was last seen on May 8, 2025, near the 4900 block of University Avenue Northeast in Columbia Heights. His mother, Ashley Berry, reported last hearing from him via text message around 4 a.m. that day. Authorities have stated they believe Collins' disappearance was "against his will" and have identified a person of interest in the case, though no arrests have been made and no criminal charges have been filed.

The extensive search involves personnel from the Anoka County Sheriff's Office, the Columbia Heights Police Department, the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA), and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Aerial footage from local news outlets showed numerous search crews meticulously sifting through trash and debris at the landfill.

Anoka County Sheriff Brad Wise previously stated that Collins' sudden disengagement from social media and lack of contact with family and friends are highly unusual for a teenager, further supporting the belief that his disappearance was not voluntary. Berry has publicly pleaded for her son's return, expressing deep concern and stating her son had plans to return to her in June after staying with his father since mid-April. Investigators have reportedly spoken with Collins' father multiple times.

Collins is described as a Black male, 5 feet 8 inches tall, weighing 140 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. He was last seen wearing a white ribbed tank top and red and black plaid pants.

Law enforcement continues to follow up on all leads and remains "committed to finding Manny and bringing answers to his family," according to a statement from the Anoka County Sheriff's Office. Anyone with information regarding Jordan "Manny" Collins Jr.'s disappearance is urged to contact the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) Tip Line at 1-877-996-6222 or via email at bca.tips@state.mn.us. Residents and businesses in the area where Collins was last seen are also asked to review security footage from May 8-12, 2025, for any suspicious activity or sightings of Collins.

MinneapoliMedia