MERIDEN, Conn. (WTNH) — A Washington Middle School student will be criminally charged for bringing a gun to school earlier this week, according to Meriden Public School Superintendent Mark Benigni.

There was an increased police presence at the school on Friday.

Officials say the student brought the gun to school on Tuesday. No one was hurt, but a lot of parents were left with questions.

“How does a kid get access to a weapon that could potentially end someone’s life,” said Jasmine Langley, a mom.

Meriden police released a statement saying, “It’s important to note the parents are licensed gun owners and that the gun was properly stored in a locked safe. No ammunition was stored with the firearm. The student had discovered where the key was hidden and used it to access the firearm without the parent’s knowledge or consent.”

The student confessed to taking the gun out of the locked safe. While the student is facing charges, his parents are not.

Parents are upset this happened on Tuesday and weren’t notified until late Thursday.

“Kind of pissed off and made me scared for my son and other children, and I know other parents feel exactly the same way,” Langley said.

The school says it was not fellow students or teachers who discovered the gun.

“The school learned about and addressed this situation because a parent brought this matter to their attention. We appreciate our partnership with parents, staff, and community which helps us assure that our schools are a safe place for our students and staff,” the school said in a comment.

The student will appear in juvenile court.