Suspect in store theft pleads not guilty

A Kalispell man arrested at the Blacktail Grocery after allegedly trying to steal from the safe has pleaded not guilty to a felony charge of attempted theft.

Trenton Halstad, 20, entered his plea Thursday in Flathead District Court.

A court document alleges Halstad entered the store, wearing a black mask that covered his face, and walked straight to the manager’s office where he started taking money from a safe.

Employees and witnesses — who all corroborated that story — reportedly wrestled Halstad to the ground, restrained him, and took the bag of money away from him. Officers then arrived and placed Halstad in handcuffs.

The bag he allegedly tried to escape with contained more than $1,500. Halsted apparently was a former employee of the store.

Halstad initially was incarcerated in the Flathead County Detention Center on a $25,000 bond, but posted bond and was released after the amount was reduced to $10,000.

If convicted, Halstad faces up to 10 years in the Montana State Prison, a fine of up to $50,000, and any restitution.

His next hearing is set for Oct. 30.