Anoka County Continues Intensive Search For Missing Teen Manny Collins After Over A Month

Anoka County Continues Intensive Search For Missing Teen Manny Collins After Over A Month

MINNEAPOLIS, Minnesota – Over a month after his disappearance, the Anoka County Sheriff’s Office, in collaboration with multiple law enforcement agencies, continues an intensive search for 16-year-old Jordan "Manny" Collins Jr. of Columbia Heights. Collins was last seen on May 8, 2025, and authorities believe he went missing against his will.

The ongoing efforts include a sustained search at the Waste Management Landfill in Elk River, an area approximately 30 miles from where Collins was last seen. Search operations at the landfill, which were temporarily delayed by adverse weather conditions, resumed this week.

Manny Collins was last seen on May 8 near the 4900 block of University Avenue Northeast in Columbia Heights. His mother reported last hearing from him via text message around 4:00 AM on that date. A missing person's report was filed with the Columbia Heights Police Department on May 12, quickly escalating to involve the Anoka County Sheriff’s Office and the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA). The FBI and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children are also assisting in the comprehensive investigation.

Authorities have identified a person of interest in Collins' disappearance, though no arrests have been made, nor has the individual's identity been released. Investigators are continuing their work through interviews, forensic testing, and following up on all leads.

Commander Wayne Heath of the Anoka County Sheriff's Office emphasized the commitment of law enforcement. "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," Heath stated in a recent update. He clarified that the landfill search is primarily for evidence that could lead to Collins' whereabouts, rather than for human remains, acknowledging that debris from various areas can be transported to the landfill.

Family members have held press conferences, pleading for information regarding Manny's whereabouts. There has been no known phone or social media activity from Collins since his disappearance.

Manny Collins is described as 5'8" tall, weighing 140 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. He was last seen wearing a white ribbed tank top with red/black plaid pants.

Law enforcement is urging anyone with information about Manny Collins’ disappearance to come forward. Specifically, residents or businesses near the 4900 block of University Avenue Northeast who may have surveillance footage of Manny or any suspicious activity between May 8 and May 12, 2025, are asked to submit their videos or photos to an evidence portal for processing.

Tips can also be submitted directly to the BCA tip line at 1-877-996-6222 or via email at bca.tips@state.mn.us. The investigation remains active and ongoing as authorities strive to bring Manny Collins home to his family.