A nationwide search is underway for a former Army sergeant who allegedly shot and killed four people at a Montana bar before fleeing the scene in just his underwear.
According to the New York Post, authorities say Michael Paul Brown, 45, opened fire at The Owl Bar in Anaconda, Montana, on Friday morning, August 1, killing three patrons and the bartender before fleeing and triggering a large-scale manhunt.
The violence erupted shortly after 10:30 a.m. on August 1 at the downtown Anaconda establishment, which sits in a quiet town of less than 10,000 residents. Investigators say Brown lived next door to the bar and was acquainted with each of the victims. Their names have not yet been released publicly. Surveillance cameras captured Brown exiting the bar immediately following the shooting. He was reportedly seen using a stone staircase while wearing only a pair of brief-style black underwear. Footage released by the Montana Department of Justice shows no attempt by Brown to cover his identity.
After leaving the property, Brown escaped in a white pickup truck, which authorities later discovered abandoned. Officials have not disclosed the location where the vehicle was found, but it has since become a central point in their investigation.
Background of the Suspect and Military Service
Brown is a U.S. Army veteran who served as an armor crewman from January 2001 to May 2005. During that time, he deployed to Iraq for just over a year, according to military records. After active duty, he joined the Montana National Guard, where he served from April 2006 until March 2009, eventually reaching the rank of sergeant.
Local and federal investigators say Brown should be considered armed and extremely dangerous. Despite no reports of further violence since the initial crime, authorities are urging community members to remain vigilant and report any sightings or suspicious activity. “We are doing everything we can to find and bring this perpetrator to justice,” said Anaconda-Deer Lodge County Police Chief Bill Sather. He also encouraged residents to use caution "if you see anything suspicious" in the area and to contact emergency services immediately.
Community Under Lockdown as Search Expands
As of Saturday afternoon, August 2, the manhunt entered its second day with renewed efforts focused on the Stumptown Road area, located just west of Anaconda. Law enforcement officials placed this area on lockdown due to possible activity linked to Brown’s whereabouts. Multiple agencies at the local, state, and federal levels are involved in the search. The large joint operation has caused widespread concern among residents, many of whom have chosen to stay home, disrupting normal daily life in the close-knit community.
Montana Division of Criminal Investigation Administrator Lee Johnson emphasized the possible ongoing risk, stating, “While law enforcement has not received reports of Brown harming any other individuals, he is believed to be armed, and he is extremely dangerous.”
Victims Believed to be Acquaintances
Bar owner David Gwerder knew Brown and the victims personally. He stated that Brown did not seem to have any existing conflict with those at the bar. “He knew everybody that was in that bar,” said Gwerder. “He didn’t have any running dispute with any of them. I just think he snapped.” The apparent lack of motive has compounded the tragedy for many locals. The community is now left mourning and questioning how someone so familiar could commit such violence without warning.
Officials have not discussed a motive publicly, but the community's attention has partially turned toward Brown’s mental health history. Those who knew him say there were significant warning signs in the years leading up to the incident.
Mental Health Struggles Highlighted by Family
Brown’s niece, Clare Boyle, posted multiple messages on Facebook highlighting her uncle’s long-standing mental health struggles. She stated the family made efforts to get him help, but said existing systems failed to provide adequate support. “This isn’t just a drunk/high man going wild,” Boyle wrote. “It’s a sick man who doesn’t know who he is sometimes and frequently doesn’t know where or when he is either.”
Boyle’s posts criticized what she called systemic inaction for those seeking help before criminal behavior occurs. “There are people who cry for help and show definite warning signs of crashing out. The system fails us,” she added.
Law Enforcement Urges Public Patience and Caution
Law enforcement leaders have thanked the Anaconda community for their cooperation during the tense search. Chief Sather offered condolences to the families impacted and asked for continued patience as the investigation continues. Officials urge residents not to approach anyone matching Brown’s description and immediately contact 911 instead. Search operations will remain concentrated in areas near the initial crime scene until further notice.
As of Saturday evening, Brown remained at large. Despite the absence of further violence, the threat posed by the suspect and the uncertainty surrounding his motivations continue to rattle the community of Anaconda.
