ANACONDA, Mont. – Search efforts for a 45-year-old military veteran accused of killing four people at The Owl Bar are intensifying as police comb the steep terrain surrounding this small community. Michael Paul Brown, who reportedly fled the scene in a white pickup truck, abandoned the vehicle before disappearing into the rugged mountains. Law enforcement officials are now entering the second day of the manhunt, with heightened warnings for local residents.
A spokesperson from the Montana Division of Criminal Investigation, Lee Johnson, advised the community to remain vigilant and avoid outdoor activities. Authorities have disseminated a picture of Brown, captured as he made his escape, showing him barefoot and clad in black shorts while navigating outdoor steps. Johnson described Brown as heavily armed and extremely dangerous, although there have been no reports of him threatening additional individuals.
Brown’s connection to the military includes a deployment to Iraq between 2004 and 2005, followed by service in the Montana National Guard until 2009, where he achieved the rank of sergeant. His niece, Clare Boyle, expressed concern for his mental health, stating via social media that he has struggled to maintain a grip on reality. “This isn’t just a drunk/high man going wild,” she said, highlighting the complexity of his situation.
Over the weekend, search operations focused primarily on Stumptown Road, with law enforcement agencies coordinating their efforts both on the ground and in the air. While residents were urged to be cautious, local businesses were allowed to remain open. Chief Bill Sather assured the public of their safety while recommending they take measures to secure their premises.
As authorities work to identify the victims—whose families have yet to be notified—bar owner David Gwerder revealed that Brown was a familiar presence in the establishment. The victims included the bartender and three patrons, each known to Brown, who Gwerder believes had no pre-existing conflicts with them. “He knew everybody that was in that bar. He just snapped,” Gwerder commented, offering insight into what may have precipitated the tragic events.
With security protocols activated in the area, retired officer Randy Clark observed not only ground searches but also aerial surveillance from helicopters tracking Brown’s movements. Businesses in Anaconda took precautions, with owners and patrons seeking refuge indoors as tensions escalated.
Anaconda, a small town situated 25 miles northwest of Butte, has a history rooted in the copper industry, dating back to the late 1800s. The community, which is home to about 9,000 residents, is marked by the remnants of a former smelter stack that looms over the valley. As the search continues, residents and officials alike grapple with the shock of the recent violence and the uncertainty of their safety.