The Needham Police Department identified the missing teen as Cole Davison and said officers are working to check on his well-being. Two emergency alerts were sent to cellphones in the area asking residents to watch for him.

Police described a "significant" presence in the South Street area, including Needham officers, members of the Metro-LEC Search and Rescue team, K-9 teams, and drone units. Davison may be wearing a blue flannel jacket with gold or yellow coloring, according to police.

Authorities sought to reassure the public that the situation does not appear to pose a broader threat. "There is no indication that Davison is armed, he has made no threats toward anyone, and there is no known danger to the public," police said.

Officials also urged residents not to join the search on their own, warning that additional people in the search area can interfere with thermal imaging technology and slow the work of trained teams. "The public is asked not to self-deploy or enter the search area, as doing so can interfere with thermal imaging technology and delay search efforts," police said. "Additional people entering the search area can significantly slow down these efforts and divert valuable resources away from locating Cole. The best way you can help right now is by allowing our trained search teams to do their jobs and keeping the area clear."

Police asked the community to respect the family's privacy as the search continues.

Anyone with information about Davison's whereabouts is asked to contact the Needham Police Department at (781) 444-1212.

No further information was immediately available.