A northwest Missouri sheriff says a 15-year-old student was taken into custody for allegedly having a loaded handgun in a school locker.

Nodaway County Sheriff Darren White said Tuesday he believes the student may have been the victim of bullying and was possibly targeting specific students.

The St. Joseph News-Press reports White says the student was taken into custody Monday after other students notified school officials that the student had been talking about having a handgun.

Officers with the sheriff's department responded and reportedly found a loaded .22-caliber pistol in the locker. The sheriff says the student also had additional ammunition.

White says the student will remain in juvenile detention while possible charges are considered.

More From AM 1050 KSIS