Authorities in Montana are intensifying their search for Michael Paul Brown, the suspect in a shooting that left four people dead at The Owl Bar in Anaconda. The shooting occurred on the morning of October 6, 2023, and led to a lockdown of parts of the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest as law enforcement agencies pursued Brown, who remains at large.
Late on Saturday, sections of the national forest were closed as the search expanded. The Montana Department of Justice confirmed that both ground and air searches are underway, with local, state, and federal agencies involved in the operation. Brown was last spotted in the Stump Town area, west of Anaconda, and is considered armed and extremely dangerous.
Anaconda Deer-Lodge County Chief Bill Sather urged the community to remain vigilant, stating, “It’s okay to go about your business in town but please use caution.” He encouraged anyone who sees Brown to call 911 immediately.
Details of the Shooting
The shooting incident unfolded at approximately 10:30 a.m. at The Owl Bar, a venue typically known for its peaceful atmosphere. Investigators have not disclosed specific details regarding the events leading up to the shooting. Eyewitness accounts and statements from local residents suggest that the bar was unusually crowded that morning.
Cassandra Dutra, a bartender at The Owl Bar, expressed her shock and sadness over the tragedy. Although she was not present during the incident, she noted that Brown, who lived nearby, often frequented the bar but did not engage socially with other patrons. “I didn’t immediately panic because I just know the atmosphere in the Owl… It never occurred to me that anybody was hurt,” she said.
David Gwerder, the owner of The Owl Bar, stated that he was unaware of any conflicts involving Brown. “He knew everybody that was in that bar. I guarantee you that,” he told the Associated Press. Gwerder speculated that Brown may have “snapped,” but the exact motive remains unclear.
About the Suspect
Michael Paul Brown served in the U.S. Army as part of an armored vehicle crew from January 2001 to May 2005, including a deployment to Iraq. After his military service, he continued his involvement with the Montana National Guard from April 2006 to March 2009 before leaving as a sergeant.
His niece, Clare Boyle, shared that Brown struggled with mental health issues following his military service and that his condition worsened after the death of his parents. “He was very sick,” she remarked, expressing deep sorrow for the families affected by the tragedy. “Five families have been destroyed,” Boyle added.
While the Army has declined to provide details regarding Brown’s mental health history due to privacy policies, authorities are working diligently to piece together his actions leading up to the shooting.
Ongoing Search Efforts
The search for Brown is concentrated around Barker Lake and the Stump Town area, characterized by dense forest and rugged terrain. Anaconda resident Dan Haffey, a former fire foreman, highlighted the challenges of searching such expansive areas. “There’s a thousand places to hide on that mountain,” he said.
Local resident Randy Clark reported that helicopter searches continued late into the night on Friday and resumed early Saturday morning. He described a chaotic scene, with sirens and law enforcement vehicles converging in the area.
Authorities recovered a white Ford F-150 truck registered to Brown after the shooting, but he was not found near the vehicle. The investigation continues to be supported by the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, among others.
Victims of the Shooting
While investigators have confirmed the identities of the four victims, they have not yet released their names pending family notifications. Dutra, the bartender, believes that all individuals present at the bar during the shooting were killed, including one staff member and three customers.
The community of Anaconda is reeling from this tragic event, as families mourn the loss of their loved ones. Local officials are urging residents to stay alert and cooperate with ongoing law enforcement efforts as the search for Michael Paul Brown continues.
