WATERLOO, Iowa (AP) _ A Waterloo middle school student faces charges after police say he took an unloaded handgun to his school.

The Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier reports that the 13-year-old Hoover Middle School student was taken into custody by police Wednesday after classes had ended for the day. Police say an unloaded handgun and holster were found in the boy's backpack while students were in sports practices.
 
Waterloo Community Schools spokeswoman Sharon Miller says school officials called police after learning there might be a weapon on school grounds. Miller says school officials are not aware that the student made any threats.

Police say the boy brought the gun to school to show it off.

The boy was held on suspicion of carrying a weapon on school grounds.