Michael Paul Brown, a former US Army veteran, was apprehended after allegedly opening fire inside the Owl Bar on August 1, resulting in the deaths of four people, including a barmaid and three patrons. Authorities initiated a comprehensive search after the incident, during which Brown reportedly fled into the surrounding foothills. Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen confirmed the arrest, expressing pride in law enforcement's tireless efforts. The shooting occurred shortly after Brown entered the bar, which he frequented and lived next to. The establishment's owner, David Gwerder, indicated that the suspect appeared to have "snapped," as he had no known disputes with the victims.
The deceased have been identified as barmaid Nancy Lauretta Kelley, age 64, and customers Daniel Edwin Baillie, 59, David Allen Leach, 70, and Tony Wayne Palm, 74. Brown served as an armor crewman in the Army from 2001 to 2005, including a deployment in Iraq. Following the tragic shooting, authorities located Brown’s white Ford-150 pickup used in his escape but initially could not find him. A photograph of Brown was released, showing him shirtless and wearing only black shorts, highlighting the urgent manhunt to apprehend him.
