Des Moines police are investigating after a student flashed a toy gun at a middle school.According to police, officers were alerted to social media posts late Tuesday night that appeared to show a young male flashing a gun at Weeks Middle School.Detectives began investigating and arrived at the school Wednesday morning.Police say they recovered a toy gun and are speaking with the child and his parents.The investigation continues.Check the KCCI Breaking News and Weather App for updates on this developing story.The following note was sent to parents from school officials:Dear Weeks Middle School families:Yesterday, a student brought a realistic-looking toy gun to school and showed it to other students in a school restroom. A video of them showing the fake weapon was posted to social media, and understandably caused a false alarm. We greatly appreciate people for bringing this video to our attention.The student was identified, and this matter has been turned over to the Des Moines Police Department, who confirmed the gun shown was a toy.At no time did the student make any threats to any students, teachers or our school in general. Administrators at Weeks and the school district, along with members of the police department, responded quickly and appropriately to this situation to ensure the safety of our students and staff.However, bringing a toy gun to a school is a serious matter, as it causes not only unnecessary concern and alarm but also a potential danger if mistaken for a real weapon. Parents, please make sure you know what your children have with them when they come to school. It is important for the safety of them and everyone at school. It takes all of us – students, parents, and school staff – working to make sure we have a safe, strong community at Weeks. Your help in that is much appreciated. Please let me know if you have any questions. Dr. Cheryl Modlin Principal

Des Moines police are investigating after a student flashed a toy gun at a middle school.

According to police, officers were alerted to social media posts late Tuesday night that appeared to show a young male flashing a gun at Weeks Middle School.


Detectives began investigating and arrived at the school Wednesday morning.

Police say they recovered a toy gun and are speaking with the child and his parents.

The investigation continues.

Check the KCCI Breaking News and Weather App for updates on this developing story.

The following note was sent to parents from school officials:

Dear Weeks Middle School families:

Yesterday, a student brought a realistic-looking toy gun to school and showed it to other students in a school restroom. A video of them showing the fake weapon was posted to social media, and understandably caused a false alarm. We greatly appreciate people for bringing this video to our attention.

The student was identified, and this matter has been turned over to the Des Moines Police Department, who confirmed the gun shown was a toy.

At no time did the student make any threats to any students, teachers or our school in general. Administrators at Weeks and the school district, along with members of the police department, responded quickly and appropriately to this situation to ensure the safety of our students and staff.

However, bringing a toy gun to a school is a serious matter, as it causes not only unnecessary concern and alarm but also a potential danger if mistaken for a real weapon.

Parents, please make sure you know what your children have with them when they come to school. It is important for the safety of them and everyone at school. It takes all of us – students, parents, and school staff – working to make sure we have a safe, strong community at Weeks. Your help in that is much appreciated. Please let me know if you have any questions.

Dr. Cheryl Modlin

Principal