A tragic incident took place Friday morning when a shooting at The Owl Bar in Anaconda, Montana resulted in the deaths of four individuals. This led to heightened security measures as authorities began their search for the suspect in a nearby rugged area.
According to reports from the Montana Division of Criminal Investigation, which is handling the case, the shooting occurred around 10:30 a.m. at the bar. Upon their arrival, officials confirmed that four individuals were deceased.
The suspect has been identified as 45-year-old Michael Paul Brown, a military veteran who lived adjacent to the bar. Public records confirm this detail, as do comments from the bar owner, David Gwerder. Gwerder also disclosed that the victims included the bartender and three patrons, and he affirmed that he was not present during the incident. He vouched for the likelihood that the victims were the only people in the bar at the time and was unaware of any existing disputes involving them and Brown.
โHe knew everyone in the bar. Iโm almost certain of that,โ Gwerder expressed. โThere were no ongoing conflicts. I believe he simply lost control.โ
Law enforcement led by a SWAT team has already searched Brownโs residence and reported that he was last noticed in the woodlands of Stump Town, located just to the west of Anaconda. A significant number of officers from various agencies have secured the area to prevent entry and exit, with authorities also deploying a helicopter to survey the mountainside for any developments. This was confirmed by Randy Clark, a retired police officer residing nearby.
Authorities have warned that Brown may be carrying a weapon, with statements provided by the Montana Highway Patrol. In terms of his background, Brown served in the U.S. Army from 2001 to 2005 as an armor crewman, which included a deployment to Iraq. Subsequent to his active duty, he was part of the Montana National Guard until 2009, ultimately leaving the military as a sergeant.
Following the incident, news of the shooting circulated rapidly among the local community, prompting businesses to lock their doors, taking additional protective measures for themselves and their customers. For instance, Sage Huot, who runs the Caterpillars to Butterflies Childcare located not far from The Owl Bar, decided to keep the children indoors after being informed about the unfolding violence.
โWe are well-practiced in emergency situations, regularly conducting fire and active shooter drills,โ Huot mentioned. โWe immediately secured the facility, locked all entry points, and relocated activities to a quieter zone away from windows and doors.โ
Anaconda is a town nestled about 75 miles southeast of Missoula, enclosed by mountain ranges, and was historically established in the 1800s during the mining boom. With around 9,000 residents, the environment was drastically altered by this lock-down situation.
Barbie Nelson, who owns the Firefly Cafรฉ in Anaconda, explained her decision to close the business around 11 a.m. after a friend warned her of the shooting. โMontanans are familiar with firearms, but seeing our town on lockdown has unnerved everyone,โ Nelson stated.
As the situation continues to develop, authorities remain committed to searching for Brown while ensuring the safety and security of the Anaconda community.