A 16-year-old boy is in custody and facing charges, including uttering threats, after allegedly pointing an imitation firearm at fellow students at the Rosthern High School, RCMP say.

According to police, the youth brought the fake handgun to the school on Wednesday.

Police said the student pointed the fake firearm at others in the school, who did not know it was an imitation air pistol.

According to the director of education for the school division, staff at the school handled the situation well.

John Kuzbik said it took place during a class with about six students in the room.

At the change of classes, the principal and vice-principal found the youth involved, took him to the school office, and called police.

The two also informed the rest of the school about what had happened and sent letters to parents about the incident.

"How they handled the process allowed people to understand what was going on and assured them that the student was no longer in the building," Kuzbik said. "[That] really helped to de-escalate the situation."

Kuzbik added he did not know what was behind the alleged actions.

He added it was not yet known if the youth involved would be allowed to return to the school.

In a news release on the case, RCMP noted that the "Criminal Code defines an imitation firearm to be considered real if it is used in the commission of an indictable offence and is believed to be a real handgun."

As a result, the teen is facing charges of:

• Pointing a firearm.
• Using an imitation firearm in the commission of an indictable offence.
• Assault with a weapon.
• Uttering threats.
• RCMP also laid a charge of not following an existing court order.

On Friday, a provincial court judge ordered the youth to remain in custody until his next court appearance, set for Nov. 25.

No name can be released because the youth is under 18.

Rosthern is about 65 kilometres northeast of Saskatoon.