MONROEVILLE, Allegheny County — The mother of a 6-year-old boy who brought a loaded .45-caliber handgun to a Western Pennsylvania school has told police that unspecified “drug dealers” were in her apartment near the boy’s backpack the night before.

Monroeville police have charged the woman, 32-year-old Stephanie Lynn Roth, with endangerment and drug paraphernalia charges.

Police Chief Doug Dole says the boy turned over the gun after bringing it to Ramsey Elementary School in his backpack Wednesday morning. The weapon was quickly taken from him and nobody was hurt.

Police believe the boy didn’t realize the gun was in the backpack until he arrived at school.

Chief Cole says police are hoping DNA or fingerprints from the gun will help them charge whoever owned it.

The school is part of the Gateway School District.