A Helena man has admitted to dangerously firing a gun in a crowded campground at Glacier National Park on July 9. 

Jesiah Richards, 28, pleaded guilty Oct. 20 to discharge of a weapon endangering persons.

He was ordered to pay a $500 fine and a $30 special assessment in the case, which will be paid in $50 monthly installments beginning Nov. 1.

According to court documents, park rangers were sent to Sprauge Creek Campground after Richards fired a single shot from his .44 revolver through the roof of his tent. The campground was filled and many people were nearby.

“He then proceeded with the revolver still loaded with five live rounds and took up a position along the lakeshore of Lake McDonald at the edge of the campground,” investigating ranger Steve Dodd reported. “Not until four armed law enforcement rangers confronted him did he eventually give up the firearm and surrender to those rangers.”

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