Crime, Law and Justice

Law enforcement asking for help locating 16-year-old boy missing from Columbia Heights

A boy sits on a table
Police urge those with information about the disappearance of Jordan Collins Jr. -- known as "Manny" -- to come forward with their information.
Courtesy of Anoka County Sheriff's Office

Authorities in Anoka County are asking the public for any information they may have about the whereabouts of a missing 16-year-old boy.

Jordan Collins Jr. — known as “Manny” — was last seen in Columbia Heights on May 8.

Anoka County Sheriff Brad Wise spoke at a news conference on Wednesday, May 28. He said anyone who works or lives in the vicinity of University Avenue and 49th Avenue Northeast and has any information, including video surveillance footage, should contact authorities.

“The family and law enforcement believe that somebody knows something and that maybe, if it’s just in the back of their mind somewhere, that they’ll reach out through the BCA or through the Anoka County Sheriff’s Office to share that bit of information, which might be critical as we search to locate Manny,” Wise said, adding that he and other law enforcement officials think Manny’s disappearance was against his will.

There’s been no known phone or social media activity by Manny since he went missing. Authorities have conducted searches in the neighborhood, and interviewed multiple people. Columbia Heights police and the Anoka County Sheriff’s Office said there is a “person of interest” in the case, but no one has been arrested or charged.

Manny’s mother was also at the May 28 news conference, and offered an emotional plea to help find her son.

“If anybody has a heart or soul, if they [have] seen anything, if you heard anything, please come forward, said Ashley Berry. “You can call anonymously.”

Manny was last seen wearing a white ribbed tank top with red and black plaid pants. He’s described as 5 foot 8 and 140 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes.

Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to contact the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension at (877) 996-6222, or email bca.tips@state.mn.us.

Correction (June 2, 2025): An earlier version of this story incorrectly spelled Manny Collins’ name. The story has been updated.

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