A somber quiet has fallen over Anaconda, Montana, as authorities intensify a desperate search for a former U.S. Army soldier, Michael Paul Brown, suspected of a brutal bar shooting that claimed four lives. The tragedy unfolded at The Owl Bar, sending shockwaves through the close-knit community and prompting an urgent public safety warning as the manhunt for the alleged killer escalated into the rugged, mountainous terrain of western Montana.
Brown, aged 45, reportedly fled the scene in a white pickup truck from the small Anaconda establishment, only to abandon the vehicle at an undisclosed location. Lee Johnson, administrator of the Montana Division of Criminal Investigation, which has taken lead on the complex case, swiftly urged local residents late Friday to remain in their homes and maintain a high level of vigilance.
In a critical development on Saturday, investigators publicly released a stark photograph of the suspect. The image depicted Brown appearing gaunt, barefoot, and notably shirtless, descending a series of outdoor concrete steps. This striking photo, circulated by the Division of Criminal Investigation, captured Brown’s immediate flight following the horrific shooting incident on Friday morning.
David Gwerder, the owner of The Owl Bar, who was not present during the shooting, revealed that Brown resided adjacent to his establishment. Gwerder confirmed to The Associated Press that the victims included the bartender and three patrons, and he expressed his belief that no other individuals were inside the bar at the time. He also stated his unawareness of any prior disputes or conflicts between Brown and any of the victims, adding another layer of mystery to the motive.
Further details emerged regarding Brown’s military background. Lt. Col. Ruth Castro, an Army spokesperson, confirmed Brown’s service in the U.S. Army as an armor crewman from 2001 to 2005. His tenure included a deployment to Iraq, spanning from early 2004 until March 2005. Following his active duty, Brown served with the Montana National Guard from 2006 until March 2009, eventually leaving military service with the rank of sergeant.
With no trace of Brown found within his abandoned pickup truck or his nearby residence, law enforcement agencies converged on the Stumptown Road area, situated west of Anaconda, employing both ground units and aerial surveillance. This extensive search operation led to a complete lockdown of the area on Friday, restricting all entry and exit. The lockdown, a measure to contain the suspect and ensure public safety, was eventually lifted by Saturday as the search broadened.
As initial reports of the fatal shooting quickly spread throughout Anaconda earlier on Friday, local business owners reacted swiftly. Many opted to lock their doors, providing shelter to both their staff and customers, underscoring the immediate fear and uncertainty that gripped the community in the wake of the violent event. The crime scene itself, The Owl Bar, was swiftly cordoned off with police tape, a stark visual reminder of the tragedy that had transpired.
The unfolding events in Anaconda represent a significant and ongoing criminal investigation, drawing widespread attention to the challenges faced by small communities in the aftermath of such devastating acts. Authorities continue their relentless pursuit of Brown, with the hope of bringing closure to a town grappling with an unimaginable loss and the lingering threat of a suspect at large in the Montana wilderness.
