Oregon Public Broadcasting

An 11-year-old Portland boy will be held in county custody over the weekend, as authorities decide whether to move forward on weapons charges.

The boy was arrested between 8 and 9 o’clock Thursday night after allegedly showing a gun to a MAX passenger on light rail. Officers found a loaded .22 handgun on the boy when they searched him.

Multnomah County spokesman Henry Stern says there's no hard-and-fast set of rules for what happens when an 11-year-old comes into contact with the justice system.

"When somebody is brought to the juvenile detention home, they're evaluated, and efforts are made to  contact adults who are responsible for that particular young person," said Stern.

The family's willingness to claim the child is one factor. Prosecutors may also weigh in on whether public safety should be considered.

A hearing is scheduled for Monday.