Anaconda, Montana — Michael Paul Brown is the suspect at the center of an ongoing investigation following a tragic shooting incident that occurred at The Owl Bar early Friday morning. The event unfolded just after 10:30 a.m., sending shockwaves through the close-knit community and leaving multiple families mourning the loss of loved ones. Four people, including a bartender and three patrons, lost their lives during the attack.
Authorities identified Brown, a 45-year-old local resident and former U.S. soldier, as the prime suspect. He remains at large and is believed to be armed. Officials have launched an extensive manhunt throughout Anaconda and the surrounding areas, including the Stumptown and Georgetown Lake regions. Local law enforcement has urged residents to remain indoors, lock their homes and vehicles, and report any suspicious activity.
As of late Friday night, the Granite County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that the search for Brown continues. A perimeter has been established in multiple zones, and additional patrols have been deployed. Helicopters have assisted with aerial searches, scanning remote areas where the suspect could be hiding. Officers from various local and state agencies are working in coordination to bring the situation under control.
Brown was last seen driving a stolen white 2007 Ford F-150 with Montana license plate DTY493. According to law enforcement, he was heading west on Stumptown Road at the time of his last known appearance. Authorities described him as 5 feet 10 inches tall, weighing approximately 170 pounds, with blue eyes and brown hair. They’ve emphasized that no one should attempt to engage with him and should instead contact emergency services immediately.
Earlier in the day, law enforcement cleared Brown’s residence, which is located near the bar where the incident occurred. However, the suspect was not found inside. Friends and family members who spoke with investigators shared their growing concern about Brown’s mental state in recent months. They described signs of severe post-traumatic stress, delusions, and troubling behavior that reportedly went unaddressed by authorities.
According to military records, Brown served as an armor crewman in the U.S. Army between 2001 and 2005 and was deployed to Iraq from 2004 to 2005. He continued his service in the Montana National Guard until 2009. People close to Brown noted that while he did not appear to struggle with substance abuse, his untreated mental health conditions had worsened over the years.
In response to the crisis, local businesses shuttered operations early, and public buildings implemented emergency lockdown procedures. One local childcare provider shared how staff followed emergency protocols to keep children safe throughout the day. Schools, small businesses, and public spaces stayed closed while authorities worked to secure the area.
A press conference was scheduled by the Montana Department of Justice late Friday evening to deliver formal updates. In the meantime, residents have been encouraged to stay informed through official announcements and avoid unverified social media posts. The community remains on high alert as the search for Brown continues, and authorities remain committed to ensuring public safety until he is located and apprehended.
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