A Ronan man is accused of felony theft for stealing a car while the vehicle’s owner was dropping off children near the Ronan Library. Leonard Grenier Jr., 40, entered a plea of not guilty in District Court in Polson July 23.

According to court records, on July 10, the registered owner of a Mazda 626 reported to law enforcement that she had stepped out of her car to drop off her children near the library in Ronan. When she came out, it was gone.

The Mazda was located later that same day, wrecked in a roll-over crash north of Polson. Ronan Police Sgt. Brandon Smith found video footage that appears to show Grenier entering the Mazda at the location where the owner had dropped off her children.

Grenier was arrested when he tried to enter another vehicle later that same day. The suspect was already on probation for drug possession and he was convicted of stealing his father’s car in Ronan on Dec. 4, 2023.

Judge Molly Owen set the case for trial on Jan. 5, 2026. Grenier is being held on bond totaling $50,000.