UPDATE: A frantic search is underway in the mountains of western Montana for Michael Paul Brown, a military veteran accused of a horrific shooting at the Owl Bar that left four people dead early on July 15, 2023. Authorities have confirmed that Brown fled the scene in a white pickup truck, which he abandoned shortly thereafter.
As the search intensifies, residents are urged to remain indoors and vigilant. Lee Johnson, administrator of the Montana Division of Criminal Investigation, emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “He is believed to be armed and is extremely dangerous.” Officials released a chilling image of Brown, barefoot and shirtless, taken moments after the shooting.
The shooting occurred at approximately 2:00 AM, targeting the bartender and three patrons inside the Owl Bar. David Gwerder, the bar owner, revealed that Brown lived next door and knew everyone present that night. “He didn’t have any running dispute with any of them. I just think he snapped,” Gwerder remarked.
Local law enforcement is on high alert, with Bill Sather, Anaconda-Deer Lodge Police Chief, advising that while local businesses can reopen, caution is paramount. Families of the victims have yet to be publicly identified as authorities work to notify them first.
Brown, a former U.S. Army armor crewman who served from 2001 to 2005, has a history of mental health struggles, as highlighted by his niece, Clare Boyle. “This isn’t just a drunk/high man going wild,” Boyle stated. “It’s a sick man who doesn’t know who he is sometimes.”
The search for Brown is concentrated in the Stumptown Road area, where authorities have deployed both aerial and ground teams. A helicopter was spotted hovering over the mountainside as officers scoured the terrain for any sign of the suspect.
As news of the shooting spread, local business owners reacted swiftly, locking their doors and sheltering customers. The owner of Firefly Café shared that she secured her establishment upon receiving a warning about the incident.
This tragic event has shaken the small community of Anaconda, a town of roughly 9,000 residents, known for its close-knit atmosphere. “This is a small tight-knit community that has been harmed by the heinous actions of one individual,” Johnson said, addressing the emotional toll on residents.
As the investigation unfolds, law enforcement continues to seek the public’s help in locating Brown. The community is left grappling with the aftermath of this violence, prompting heightened concern and a call for vigilance.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing situation as authorities work tirelessly to bring the suspect into custody and provide justice for the victims.
