A mother is facing charges after a loaded hand gun ended up in the hands her 13-year-old son.

The Gates Police Department said the 31-year-old woman agreed to hold onto the weapon for the owner while they were on vacation. The gun ended up in an unsecured shoe box.

Police say the teenager carried it around for a week in a backpack. He also allegedly fired one round in his backyard.

The gun has since been recovered by police, and the teen's case is headed to Family Court. The child's mother was charged with endangering the welfare of a child, a misdemeanor.

According to court paperwork, the mother did not have a pistol permit allowing her to have the gun in her posession.

The police department says this is a reminder to properly store firearms.