WATERFORD (WWJ) - A sixth grade student is in police custody after Waterford school officials were alerted to the child possibly carrying a BB gun to class on Wednesday — only for authorities to find a loaded handgun in their locker.
The Waterford Police Department said they were called out to Pierce Middle School around 11 a.m. on Dec. 21 after officials found a weapon in a student's backpack.
Police said a classmate saw the 11-year-old with what was believed to be a BB gun and reported it to school officials. After searching the student's locker, authorities said they didn't find a BB gun, but instead a loaded 9mm handgun.
Police were called to the scene after the discovery and arrested the student. The 11-year-old was taken to the Waterford Police Department for processing and is now being held at the Oakland County Children’s Village.
The gun was taken by police as evidence.
Authorities said the child who brought the gun to school did not make any threats to students or staff. Police are working to find out how the 6th grader came to possess the weapon and why it was brought to school.
In the meantime, school and law enforcement officials are commending the other middle schooler for coming forward and reporting the incident.