Authorities search Elk River landfill in disappearance of Jordan "Manny" Collins Jr.
A search involving multiple agencies is being conducted Friday north of the Twin Cities in the disappearance of 16-year-old Jordan Dupree Collins Jr., who went missing last month.
According to the Anoka County Sheriff's Office, the search is at the Waste Management Landfill in Elk River, and started on Wednesday.
Authorities believe Collins' disappearance was "against his will" and a person of interest was identified, but no arrests have been announced.
"At this point in our investigation, information has led us to search the landfill in Elk River," Commander Wayne Heath with the sheriff's office said in a news conference Friday afternoon. "What we're looking for is evidence that can help us identify the whereabouts of Manny. That remains our goal, and we're committed to that."
Heath added that Friday's search was for evidence, and not for human remains or a body. The sheriff's office said this is only one "facet" of the investigation, and officials are following up on other leads.
"We're committed to finding Manny, and that's why we're throwing so many resources at the investigation," Heath said.
Agencies involved in the search include the Columbia Heights Police Department, Anoka County Sheriff's Office, Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension and Federal Bureau of Investigation.
In a press conference held in late May with Collins' family, Anoka County Sheriff Brad Wise says he doesn't think this is a case of a teenager running away.
Collins — who is commonly known by the nickname, Manny — was last seen on May 8 near the 4900 block of University Avenue Northeast. An apartment building near the intersection is now under investigation. Ashley Berry, Collins' mother, says her son has lived at the building with his father since mid-April, with plans to return to her in June.
Investigators have spoken with Collins' father multiple times. Wise didn't identify the person of interest on Wednesday, but noted no one is in custody and no criminal charges have been filed.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension at 1-877-996-6222 or by email.
