Army Veteran Michael Paul Brown Remains at Large After Deadly Bar Shooting in Montana, Manhunt Ongoing Amid Rugged Terrain

An Army veteran suspected of fatally shooting four people at a bar he frequented in Anaconda, Montana is still at large, authorities confirmed. Michael Paul Brown is wanted in connection to the shooting at The Owl Bar on Friday morning.

Officials have classified Brown as armed and dangerous, with a $7,500 reward offered for any information leading to his capture. The ongoing manhunt has involved local, state, and federal authorities conducting extensive searches by land and air in the rugged Montana terrain.

The victims included a bartender and customers, identified as Daniel Edwin Baillie, 59, and Nancy Lauretta Kelley, 64. The attorney general has expressed his condolences to the community of Anaconda, stating that this incident is “absolutely horrific.”

Nurse Nancy Kelley was known for her dedication to cancer patients, having recently started her retirement when she lost her life in the tragedy. Bartender Cassandra Dutra described her as someone who treated her with kindness and respect, making a significant difference in countless lives.

The suspect is believed to have been a regular at The Owl Bar, but there is no indication of any specific target or prior disputes between Brown and the victims. Owner David Gwerder confirmed that Brown knew everyone present at the bar, but he did not appear to be part of the usual camaraderie among customers.

Brown served in the US Army from January 2001 to May 2005 and was later a member of the Montana National Guard from April 2006 to March 2009, leaving with the rank of sergeant. His niece Clare Boyle reported that Brown struggled with mental health issues while in the Army and experienced further decline following the deaths of his parents.

Boyle expressed sympathy for the victims’ families, acknowledging the tragic impact on five families that day. However, she also shared memories of happy moments spent with her uncle, such as learning to ride a bike and fishing together.

The Army declined to release details about Brown’s mental health history, citing privacy constraints. It remains unclear why Brown allegedly opened fire in the peaceful rural surroundings of Montana.

Security footage captured Brown fleeing The Owl Bar, but he was last seen west of Anaconda. A white Ford F-150 truck belonging to Brown was found, but he was not located within or near the vehicle. The search has focused on areas such as Barker Lake in the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest and Stumptown Road north of the lake.

Anaconda resident Dan Haffey, a former fire foreman for the Montana Division of Forestry, described Garrity Mountain as having thousands of hiding spots. With over 5,000 acres, it is a vast area that presents significant challenges in the ongoing manhunt for Brown.

The FBI, Granite County Sheriff’s Office, and Denver office of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are assisting with the investigation. As of Sunday, approximately 250 search personnel were involved, along with resources from other states and federal agencies. The number of searchers is expected to decrease as the operation shifts to a “fugitive location operation.”

The attorney general emphasized that while tourist season in western Montana continues, resources will be limited in the sharp, focused search for Brown.