Anoka, MN — A sense of urgency and heartache now hangs over the city of Anoka as family, friends, and community members scramble for answers in the mysterious disappearance of Brandon Stott, a well-loved local bartender and military veteran. Brandon, 36, was last seen on the evening of Tuesday, April 8, and has not been heard from since.
Brandon’s sudden vanishing has left those closest to him shocked, scared, and determined to bring him home safely. Known for his generosity, steady presence behind the bar at 201 Tavern, and quiet strength rooted in his service to the country, Brandon’s absence feels like a deep, sudden void in a town where he’s touched many lives.
What We Know About His Disappearance
Brandon was reportedly last seen around 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, near the downtown area of Anoka, where he both lived and worked. He was supposed to work a shift the following day at 201 Tavern—a place where he rarely missed a day and was cherished by both patrons and coworkers. When he failed to show up on Wednesday, April 9, concern quickly escalated among those who know him well.
Friends and co-workers began calling and texting, but their messages went unanswered. A welfare check was conducted Wednesday morning at his apartment. While his shoes were found inside, there was no trace of Brandon himself. His phone has been off since the evening of April 8, and with no vehicle, no active social media, and no contact with family or friends, the situation quickly became alarming.
Authorities were officially notified, and as of Thursday, April 10, Brandon Stott has been listed as a missing person by the Anoka Police Department.
Brandon’s Struggles and the Growing Concern
Adding to the urgency, those close to Brandon have shared that he had been quietly grappling with serious mental health challenges. Described by friends as “deeply concerning,” his emotional wellbeing had been in decline in recent months, though he rarely talked openly about it.
“Brandon was always the guy who asked how you were doing,” said longtime friend and fellow veteran Alex Moreno. “But he kept things to himself. I think that’s what’s haunting us now—what didn’t we see? What didn’t we catch in time?”
Mental health among veterans remains a critical issue nationwide, and Brandon’s case is a painful reminder of how easily even strong, kind-hearted people can slip through the cracks without consistent support and community outreach.
Who Is Brandon Stott?
To many in Anoka, Brandon is more than just a missing person—he’s a brother, a friend, a fixture in local life. After returning home from military service several years ago, Brandon made a quiet but meaningful life for himself in Anoka. He took a job bartending at 201 Tavern, where his easygoing attitude and attentive nature quickly earned him a reputation as a go-to listener and source of comfort.
“Whether you were a regular or just stopping in once, Brandon made you feel welcome,” said Jamie, a co-worker at the tavern. “He remembered your drink, your story, and always had time to hear about your day.”
Outside of work, Brandon lived simply. He didn’t drive, rarely posted online, and kept a tight-knit group of friends. He loved fishing, long walks by the river, and live music. But beneath his calm surface, friends say, were layers of pain from experiences he seldom discussed.
The Community Response: A Town on High Alert
The news of Brandon’s disappearance has shaken Anoka. Flyers bearing his photo have appeared across the town—on light poles, in coffee shops, taped to storefront windows. Social media pages have been flooded with posts, updates, and messages of hope.
“We’re all doing whatever we can,” said Lindsey, one of Brandon’s friends organizing volunteer search efforts. “Checking trail cams, rewatching security footage, calling hospitals, shelters, and the VA. Every minute matters.”
Multiple local businesses, including 201 Tavern, are offering rewards for any credible tips that lead to Brandon’s safe return. A candlelight vigil is being planned for the weekend to raise awareness and gather the community in solidarity.
How You Can Help Right Now
Authorities and loved ones are urging the public to take immediate steps to aid in the search for Brandon:
- Check home and business surveillance cameras, especially from the evening of April 8 onward. Areas near the Rum River, parks, alleyways, or quieter streets may be especially relevant.
- Share Brandon’s story and photo on your social media, neighborhood apps, and community forums. Even if you’re outside of Anoka, his disappearance could have ripple effects across nearby areas.
- Contact police with any information, no matter how minor it seems. A small tip could be the missing puzzle piece.
If you have any information about Brandon Stott’s disappearance, please contact the Anoka Police Department immediately. Anonymous tips are welcome.
Anoka PD Non-Emergency Line: (763) 576-2800
Or call 9-1-1 if you have urgent information or a sighting.
A Plea From Those Who Love Him
For Brandon’s chosen family—friends, coworkers, and fellow veterans—the worry is unbearable. They’re holding onto hope, fueled by love and memories, but the silence is deafening.
“This isn’t like him,” said Marissa, a close friend who worked with Brandon for four years. “He’s responsible, dependable, the kind of guy who would drop everything to help you move or listen to your problems for hours. We know something’s wrong. We just want to bring him home.”
In a voice cracking with emotion, she added, “Please, if you’ve seen him, even if you think it’s nothing, say something. We need to know he’s safe.”
Brandon Matters
This isn’t just another missing persons case—it’s a deeply human story about a man who gave to his community, who served his country, and who now may be in trouble and alone. Brandon Stott is more than a headline. He is a neighbor, a friend, a veteran, a familiar face behind a bar, and a soul worth fighting for.
In times like these, the power of a community is everything. Let’s rally, let’s search, let’s raise our voices, and let’s do everything possible to ensure that Brandon Stott comes home safe.
