Authorities have intensified the manhunt for Michael Paul Brown, a 45-year-old army veteran suspected of killing four individuals in a shooting at The Owl Bar in Anaconda, Montana. The tragic event unfolded on Friday morning, claiming the lives of barmaid Nancy Lauretta Kelley, 64, and patrons Daniel Edwin Baillie, 59, David Allen Leach, 70, and Tony Wayne Palm, 74.
Following the horrific shooting, Brown fled into the nearby mountains, prompting a large-scale search involving around 250 law enforcement personnel from various agencies. A reward of $7,500 has been offered for information leading to his capture. Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen expressed grave concerns for public safety, describing Brown as “an unstable individual” who committed a “heinous crime” against the community.
The shooting shocked the locals of Anaconda, a town of nearly 10,000 residents, where violent incidents were considered rare. Reports indicate that Brown was a familiar face at the bar, living nearby; however, patrons noted he did not engage in the social atmosphere typical of the establishment.
Witnesses shared that Brown previously struggled with mental health issues, a fact his niece reiterated, indicating that the suspect may have been grappling with his reality during the incident.
After the shooting, authorities discovered a white Ford-150 pickup truck believed to have been used by Brown but have failed to find any trace of him. An updated image released by officials shows him shirtless and barefoot, attempting to flee the scene. Investigators remain hopeful that he is still alive, albeit dangerous, and continue to search across the extensive forested areas around Anaconda.
The tragic shooting has impacted the community significantly, leading to business closures and the cancellation of several public events. Residents are grappling with the aftermath, struggling to reconcile the violence with their previously peaceful environment.
