Army Veteran on Run After Deadly Shooting in Montana National Forest: Authorities Expand Search for Suspect Michael Paul Brown

Authorities intensified their search for a suspect accused of a deadly shooting in a Montana bar on Saturday, expanding the closure of parts of Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest. The suspect, identified as Army veteran Michael Paul Brown, was last seen fleeing from The Owl Bar where the shooting took place, according to investigators.

The Owl Bar, located in Anaconda, is currently listed as temporarily closed following the incident that occurred around 10:30 a.m. on Friday. Cassandra Dutra, a bartender at the establishment, expressed feelings of overwhelming sadness due to the tragedy.

Brown lived near the bar and frequented it often, but Dutra noted he wasn’t part of the camaraderie among other patrons. David Gwerder, the owner of The Owl Bar, stated there were no known conflicts between Brown and anyone who was in the bar on Friday morning.

Details about what led up to the shooting remain unclear at this time. Authorities have locked down Barker Lake and the surrounding area within the national forest as they continue their search by land and air. Residents have been advised to call 911 if they spot the gunman.

Local law enforcement warned that Brown is “armed and extremely dangerous.” Anaconda Deer-Lodge County Chief Bill Sather urged residents to exercise caution but still go about their business in town.

Brown served in the US Army from January 2001 to May 2005, was deployed to Iraq from February 2004 to March 2005, and later joined the Montana National Guard from April 2006 to March 2009. He left military service as a sergeant.

Brown’s niece, Clare Boyle, shared that her uncle struggled with mental health issues in the Army and his condition worsened after the passing of his parents. The Army declined to release information about Brown’s mental health history due to policy and privacy constraints.

Authorities are also searching the area around Stumptown Road, north of Barker Lake, where Brown is believed to have escaped. Searches using helicopters continued in the area until 11 p.m. on Friday and resumed at 6 a.m. on Saturday.

Investigators have identified the four victims of the shooting, though their names will not be released until all families are notified. The FBI, the Denver office of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Granite County Sheriff’s Office are assisting with the investigation.