A Kalispell teen will serve nine months on probation for bringing a gun, alcohol and drug paraphernalia to Flathead High School in January.

Michael Alan Melby, 17, was sentenced Friday to probation until he turns age 18 in February 2017. Additionally, Flathead District Judge Amy Eddy required Melby to write a letter of accountability to high school officials before he moves out of state.

Melby admitted committing four of the five misdemeanor offenses he was facing: theft, possession of a weapon in a school, criminal possession of drug paraphernalia and unlawful possession of intoxicating substances.

Melby was found with a loaded handgun, bottle of wine and marijuana paraphernalia at Flathead High School on Jan. 29, but Melby claimed he did not want to hurt anyone. He told investigators and school officials that he stole the gun from a family member to try to raise money to get to another state. He had run away a couple of days before the incident.

He has been designated a delinquent youth and serious juvenile offender.

Reporter Megan Strickland can be reached at 758-4459 or [email protected].