Authorities in Montana are conducting an extensive manhunt for Michael Paul Brown, an Army veteran accused of killing four people at The Owl Bar in Anaconda on March 15, 2024. Following the shooting, portions of the nearby Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest were closed as law enforcement agencies intensified their search for the suspect, who was last seen fleeing the bar.
The incident occurred around 10:30 a.m. on Friday, leading to the immediate lockdown of the area surrounding Barker Lake. Local, state, and federal authorities are utilizing both land and air resources in the search effort. A spokesperson from the Montana Department of Justice confirmed that the search includes the Stump Town area, west of Anaconda, where Brown has been sighted.
Local law enforcement has issued a warning indicating that Brown is “armed and extremely dangerous.” Anaconda Deer-Lodge County Chief Bill Sather urged residents to remain cautious while going about their daily activities and to call 911 if they see the suspect.
Details of the Shooting
Reports surrounding the motive for the shooting remain unclear. According to the Montana Division of Criminal Investigation, the bar is currently listed as “temporarily closed” following the tragic events. Cassandra Dutra, a bartender at The Owl Bar, expressed her shock over the incident, noting that while Brown was a familiar face, he didn’t engage much with other patrons. She reported hearing what she initially thought were construction noises before realizing the gravity of the situation.
The bar’s owner, David Gwerder, stated that he was unaware of any conflicts involving Brown prior to the shooting. Gwerder emphasized that Brown was well-known among the bar’s regulars, remarking, “He didn’t have any running dispute with any of them. I just think he snapped.”
Background on the Suspect
Brown served in the U.S. Army from January 2001 to May 2005, during which he was deployed to Iraq. Following his active duty, he joined the Montana National Guard until March 2009, leaving the military as a sergeant. His niece, Clare Boyle, remarked that her uncle struggled with mental health issues related to his military service and became increasingly troubled after the death of his parents. She described him as “very sick” but recalled fond memories, expressing sorrow for the families affected by the tragedy.
The Army has declined to provide specific details regarding Brown’s mental health history, citing privacy policies.
Authorities have discovered Brown’s white Ford F-150 truck abandoned after the shooting, but he was not found nearby. The investigation is being supported by various agencies, including the FBI and the Denver office of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Search Efforts and Community Response
The search for Brown has drawn significant attention from the community, with residents like Dan Haffey, a former fire foreman, noting the challenges posed by the mountainous terrain. “There’s a thousand places to hide on that mountain,” he stated, highlighting the extensive area being searched.
Residents have reported hearing helicopter activity and police sirens as authorities conduct aerial searches and ground operations. Anaconda resident Randy Clark noted witnessing law enforcement rushing along Highway 1 during the search.
As the investigation continues, authorities have identified the four victims of the shooting, though their names have not been released pending notification of their families. The community is grappling with the impact of the tragedy, as local businesses and residents come together to support one another during this difficult time.
The situation remains fluid, with updates expected as law enforcement continues its efforts to locate Michael Paul Brown and provide closure to the victims’ families.
