ANACONDA, MT — A deadly mass shooting early Friday morning at the Owl Bar on 3rd Street in Anaconda left four people dead and triggered a high-intensity police response, prompting widespread lockdowns and a manhunt for the armed suspect.

Authorities say the suspect, believed to be wielding an AR-15-style rifle, opened fire inside or near the bar before fleeing the scene.

Initial reports estimated between two to four victims, later confirmed as four fatalities.

Eyewitnesses described a chaotic and terrifying scene as shots rang out, followed by the sound of sirens and a heavy law enforcement presence throughout the area.

Following the incident, police initiated an active search across town.

Multiple state and local law enforcement agencies converged on the community, establishing perimeters and pursuing leads as the suspect reportedly fled in a hijacked truck.

Scanner traffic and eyewitness accounts suggested the shooter was headed toward Georgetown Lake, prompting an extended search throughout Deer Lodge and neighboring areas.

At one point, officers surrounded a residence where the suspect was believed to be holed up.

The Granite County Sheriff’s Office issued an advisory confirming that deputies were stationed in the Georgetown Lake/Flint Creek area out of precaution. They described the suspect as wearing a tie-dye shirt, blue jeans, and an orange bandana. While officials stated there was no active threat to Granite County residents at the time, residents were asked to remain vigilant.

A source informed Channel2 NOW that the suspect is believed to be a military veteran who may have been struggling with alcohol and mental health issues. “From what I’ve been told by people who know him personally, he had reportedly stopped taking his prescribed medication,” the source said.

Anaconda was temporarily placed under a shelter-in-place order as officers moved through various neighborhoods and businesses were advised to shut down until the suspect was apprehended.

That order was briefly lifted but later reinstated amid conflicting reports and ongoing uncertainty about the shooter’s location.

Residents took to social media to share their concerns and warn others in real time. One woman wrote, “This is so scary—we’re at my mom’s in Anaconda taking care of her.” Others echoed similar sentiments, with one post noting, “This is too close to home.”

Despite the large-scale search, the suspect’s identity has not yet been publicly released, and no arrest has been confirmed.

Law enforcement officials continue to urge the public to avoid the 3rd Street and Ash Street area and not to approach active police scenes.

Anyone with information is asked to contact local authorities immediately.

As of Friday afternoon, no further updates have been issued, and the situation remains under investigation.

If you are in the area:

• Avoid police activity zones and roadblocks.
• Stay indoors unless otherwise instructed by law enforcement.
• Report any suspicious activity or tips to 911.

This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.