A military veteran named Michael Paul Brown has been arrested in connection with a tragic shooting that left four people dead at the Owl Bar in Anaconda, Montana, on August 1. According to local law enforcement, Brown allegedly opened fire inside the establishment shortly after entering, marking a shocking incident in the small town of nearly 10,000 residents.
Following the shooting, a massive manhunt was initiated as authorities fearlessly searched the wooded foothills surrounding the area. Officials stated that Brown stripped away his clothing after the assault, making it harder for law enforcement to locate him. "I am proud of the unrelenting law enforcement effort this week to find and arrest Michael Paul Brown,” stated Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen, confirming that the suspect was apprehended nearby.
Governor Greg Gianforte praised the swift action of law enforcement on social media, underscoring the statewide collaboration that led to Brown’s capture. Witnesses and the bar’s owner, David Gwerder, expressed their shock at the violence, noting that the suspect was a well-known patron who seemingly “snapped” for no apparent reason.
The victims of the shooting have been identified as Nancy Lauretta Kelley, 64, and three patrons: Daniel Edwin Baillie, 59, David Allen Leach, 70, and Tony Wayne Palm, 74. Reports indicate that Brown served in the US Army from 2001 until 2005, including a deployment in Iraq, adding another layer of complexity to the emerging narrative surrounding the incident.
During the investigation, authorities discovered a white Ford-150 pick-up truck believed to be used by Brown during his escape. Images released by the police captured him fleeing the scene shirtless and barefoot, which helped confirm his location as he attempted to evade capture. Despite these efforts, the suspect was ultimately located and arrested after a dedicated and intensive search by law enforcement officials.
