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Search is on for a missing Needham High School student By Needham Observer Staff November 12, 2026 Needham Police Chief John Schlittler gave an update to reporters on South Street around 4:00 p.m. and asked for the community's help in finding Cole Davison./ Credit: Needham Observer At 10:53 a.m. on Thursday, an emergency notice went out to the Needham community. Cole Davison, a Needham High School senior, was missing, last seen near 1000 South Street on Wednesday night. Police and fire rescue teams from Needham and a number of surrounding towns, including Abington, Wellesley, and Norwell were dispatched, patrolling on foot and on bicycles. A rescue boat launched on the Charles River behind an Edgewater Drive home and headed upstream. Canine teams were also on the ground. A helicopter flew overhead and the Metropolitan Law Enforcement Council (METRO-LEC), dispatched its drone unit and other resources. At Needham High, faculty and students were informed. Some listened to the police radio scanner broadcast in real time. Reached by text at approximately 3:15 p.m., Superintendent Dan Gutekanst verified that Cole Davison is a senior at Needham High but had no further information to share. As of 4:00 p.m. Davison had not been found and Needham Police Chief John Schlittler spoke with the media, asking the public to share any relevant information. “The Needham Police Department is seeking the community’s help in locating Cole Davison, 18 years old from Needham,” Schlittler told reporters. “Cole went missing last night and we are worried about his safety. With the incoming weather we’re looking for the community’s help to help us assist in locating him.” Schlittler said the search is continuing. The rain in the forecast may ground the drones, but the other teams will persist despite expected bad weather. Official messages asked that the public not attempt to join the search as their presence could “interfere with thermal imaging technology and delay search efforts.” “If anybody has any information, we ask them to call the Needham Police at 781-444-1212,” said Chief Schlittler. “Thank you.” He did not take questions. Note: this story was current as of 4:30 p.m. on Nov. 12. The Observer will update as information comes in. A reference to Davison’s social media account was removed due to new reporting.