HOUSTON -- A Cy-Fair High School student was arrested after he brought a gun to campus, officials told KPRC Local 2 Tuesday.

Harris County Precinct 4 deputies said the 16-year-old showed off a 32-caliber loaded pistol during lunch.

"He brought it in, from what we understand, in a backpack, and concealed it and then once he was in the lunchroom area, pulled the pistol out and was displaying it to other students," said Capt. Mark Hermann.

Another student alerted school officials.

Detectives said they questioned the student, asking him why he brought the gun to school.

"After school, he made mention that he goes to the Spring Branch area, where he's had some issues with other kids and basically had the pistol for protection," Hermann said.

Hermann said the student told investigators that he did not have any intention of harming anyone at school.

But parents said that is not a good enough answer.

"For him to get a hold of a gun at 16 -- you know, you can't purchase a gun at the age of 16. So, that's a deep concern," parent Stalanda Duwalt said.

"I'm really surprised, especially with as much security as they have in the school," parent Yolie Castro said.

The student was charged with unlawfully carrying a weapon. His name was not released because he is a juvenile.