A serene Friday morning in Anaconda, Montana, was shattered by a horrific Anaconda shooting at the local Owl Bar, leaving four individuals fatally wounded and sparking an intense law enforcement manhunt for the alleged perpetrator. The incident, unfolding around 10:30 a.m., sent shockwaves through the tight-knit community as details of the mass casualties emerged, with authorities quickly identifying a local man as the primary suspect.
The individual sought by law enforcement is Michael Paul Brown, who reportedly fled the scene in a Ford pickup after the Owl Bar tragedy. Information disseminated by the Anaconda-Deer Lodge County Law Enforcement Center via social media warned the public that Brown is believed to be armed and exceedingly dangerous, last seen in the Stumptown area. Residents were explicitly advised to maintain distance from the Stumptown and surrounding vicinities, underscoring the immediate threat posed.
As the day progressed, investigators located the white Ford F-150 pickup used by the suspect, a crucial development in the ongoing law enforcement manhunt. However, 45-year-old Michael Paul Brown remained at large, prompting a concentrated search effort focused on the rugged mountainous terrain west of Anaconda, particularly around Stumptown Road. This intensified search highlighted the challenging conditions faced by the numerous agencies involved.
Lee Johnson, administrator for the Montana Division of Criminal Investigation, issued a stark warning, reiterating the suspect’s dangerous nature despite the absence of further reported harm. Johnson urged area residents to remain vigilant, stay securely within their homes, and maintain a high level of alertness. These advisories underscored the gravity of the situation and the imperative for public cooperation in ensuring safety amidst the active threat of this Montana crime.
The Owl Bar tragedy occurred at 819 E. 3rd St., a location of significant proximity to the suspect’s residence, as authorities confirmed Michael Paul Brown lived next door to the establishment. This detail added a chilling layer to the incident, suggesting a potential familiarity with the setting and victims, further complicating the psychological landscape of the Anaconda shooting.
While authorities have identified the four victims, their names are being withheld out of respect for their families, allowing time for proper notification and support. David Gwerder, the owner of the Owl Bar, later conveyed to The Associated Press that the bartender and three patrons were among those killed, believing them to be the only individuals present during the tragic mass casualties event.
The scale of the law enforcement manhunt was evident in the broad collaboration of agencies participating in the search and investigation. Anaconda Police, Butte-Silver Bow law enforcement, the FBI, ATF, Montana Highway Patrol, and Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks were all actively engaged, showcasing a unified response to the significant Montana crime affecting the region. Their combined efforts aimed to swiftly apprehend Michael Paul Brown and bring resolution to the unfolding crisis.
Community leaders and elected officials expressed their profound sorrow and concern. State Senator Sara Novak, a Democrat from Anaconda, shared her heartbreak for those affected and her gratitude for the outpouring of local support, reflecting the tight-knit nature of the community deeply impacted by the Anaconda shooting. Butte-Silver Bow Sheriff Ed Lester urged immediate contact with law enforcement for anyone spotting Brown, emphasizing the critical role of public vigilance in this ongoing Montana crime investigation.
