An update Friday on the search for a missing 16-year old boy from Columbia Heights.
According to the Anoka County Sheriff's Department, law enforcement from several agencies are searching a landfill in Elk River in connection to Manny Collins' disappearance.
Anoka County Commander Wayne Heath says this is one part of the ongoing investigation.
"Right now we're just searching for more information and as any other criminal investigation goes, sometimes we don't know what next piece of the puzzle will be, the final piece that that completes the picture for us," says Heath. "So we're looking for that next piece of the puzzle."
Heath says the landfill search could last through the weekend depending on what is or is not found there. He says they're still trying to contact Manny's father but are not calling him a suspect, and that investigators are continuing to follow up on other leads. The apartment the Collins shared with his father was declared a crime scene.
In recent days, investigators began calling the case an abduction, and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children was called in to help in the search.
Sheriff's department officials say they're still conducting interviews and continue to test forensic evidence.
The Columbia Heights Police Department and Anoka County Sheriff's Office are requesting the public’s assistance in locating Jordan Collins Jr. (commonly known by his nickname “Manny”).
Manny, age 16, of Columbia Heights, MN, was last seen on May 8, 2025, near the 4900 block of University Ave NE wearing a white ribbed tank top with red/black plaid pants. He is 5'8", 140 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes.
Tips may be submitted to the BCA Resource Line at 1877-996-6222 or email bca.tips@state.mn.us.