Crime
Michael Paul Brown, Suspect in Anaconda Owl Bar Shooting, Struggled with Untreated and Longstanding Mental Health Issues
ANACONDA, MONTANA — Authorities have officially identified 45-year-old Michael Paul Brown as the primary suspect in a deadly shooting incident that occurred earlier today at the Owl Bar in Anaconda.
Law enforcement agencies have confirmed Brown is still at large and is considered armed and dangerous.
As of this afternoon, the suspect remains unaccounted for.
The Anaconda-Deer Lodge County Law Enforcement Center has issued a public alert advising residents to avoid the Stumptown area and immediately report any sightings or suspicious activity by calling 911.
A helicopter has been conducting aerial surveillance over the region for several hours as part of the active manhunt.
In addition to Stumptown, law enforcement operations are ongoing in the Georgetown Lake, Flint Creek Pass, and Drummond areas.
Deputies from Granite County have reinforced their presence along critical routes in these regions.
Businesses in Anaconda, including McDonald’s, have voluntarily closed early due to safety concerns.
While community chatter initially pointed to the involvement of two individuals—Michael and Richard Brown—law enforcement has confirmed only Michael Paul Brown as the lone suspect at this time.
Reports linking a second individual, Richard Brown, and a hijacked black Honda Accord remain unverified.
A BOLO (Be On the Lookout) alert for a black Honda Accord with tinted windows is still active out of an abundance of caution.
Key Developments:
- Suspect: Michael Paul Brown
- Last seen in the Stumptown area
- Description: Tie-dye shirt, blue jeans, orange bandana
- Believed to be armed with an AR-15-style rifle
- Status: At large; considered extremely dangerous
- Vehicle Alert: Black Honda Accord with tinted windows (unconfirmed)
- SWAT Operation: Suspect’s Anaconda residence was cleared; Brown was not located
- Fatalities: Four people were killed at the bar.
- Public Advisory: Residents urged to avoid speculation and follow only official updates
A friend of the suspect, speaking to Channel2 NOW, described Brown as a combat veteran struggling with untreated PTSD and delusional behavior.
He claimed Brown had long believed he was still involved in special operations and shared stories that seemed to come “straight out of action films.” He added that Brown had shown signs of mental health deterioration for years but was always respectful and kind in public interactions.
Jacob Burns, a relative, disputed rumors of substance abuse but confirmed that Brown had a longstanding history of mental health issues that were not being adequately addressed.
“I watched his mental health decline,” the friend said. “He needed help. I’m heartbroken for the victims and for those grieving in our town.”
According to U.S. Army records, Brown served as an armor crewman from 2001 to 2005 and deployed to Iraq between 2004 and 2005. He continued his service with the Montana National Guard until March 2009, reaching the rank of sergeant before exiting military service.
Retired officer Randy Clark, who lives near the search area, reported seeing a helicopter circling a nearby mountain while heavily armed officers moved through wooded terrain. The area remains locked down with restricted access.
David Gwerder, owner of the Owl Bar, confirmed he was not present during the shooting but knew the victims well.
“He didn’t have any known issues with anyone in the bar,” Gwerder told. “He just snapped.”
If you have any information on the whereabouts of Michael Paul Brown or spot a suspicious individual matching his description, call 911 or contact the Anaconda-Deer Lodge County Law Enforcement Center at (406) 563-5241 immediately. Do not approach.
Crime
Aleksandr Aleksand Shablykin Fatally Stabs Mother Zoya Shablykin and Three Others at Key Peninsula Home
Five people, including the suspect, are dead following a violent stabbing incident and subsequent deputy-involved shooting Tuesday morning in the 14000 block of 87th Avenue Court Northwest near Gig Harbor, according to the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO).
Authorities identified the suspect as 32-year-old Aleksandr Aleksand Shablykin.
Investigators say the incident began as a reported protection order violation and escalated into a deadly stabbing attack in a residential cul-de-sac.
Dispatchers received the first 911 call at approximately 8:41 a.m. reporting an “order violation in progress.” According to the sheriff’s office, an adult male had gone to a residence despite a no-contact protection order involving a female occupant of the home.
Deputies later clarified that although a protection order had been granted, it had not yet been formally served to the suspect and therefore was not legally enforceable at the time.
Deputies were en route to serve the order when the situation rapidly escalated.
At approximately 9:30 a.m., additional emergency calls reported that the man was actively stabbing individuals outside the home. Witnesses described a chaotic scene, with at least one victim attacked in the middle of the street in front of multiple bystanders.
A deputy arrived on scene minutes later.
According to Officer Shelbie Boyd, spokesperson for the Pierce County Force Investigation Team (PCFIT), gunfire was reported at 9:33 a.m.
“We have the adult male suspect who was shot by the deputy,” Boyd said during a press briefing.
Shablykin was pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities have not yet released specific details regarding the exchange of gunfire but confirmed that the investigation remains active.
Deputies located four adult victims at the scene.
Three were pronounced dead at the residence. A fourth victim was transported to a nearby hospital in critical condition but later succumbed to their injuries.
One of the victims was identified as 52-year-old Zoya Shablykin, the suspect’s mother.
Authorities stated that relationships between the suspect and the additional victims remain under investigation.
Witness accounts suggest that neighbors may have intervened in an attempt to stop the attack.
Court records linked to the residence show that in April 2025, Zoya Shablykin petitioned for a protection order against her adult son. The order was granted in May.
In her petition, she alleged ongoing threats, harassment, and erratic behavior, including prior physical aggression. The filing referenced concerns about his mental health and stated he had previously pushed and threatened her.
The protection order prohibited the son from possessing weapons and from coming within 1,000 feet of his mother, her home, vehicle, or workplace. The order also required him to comply with a treatment plan and prescribed medications.
Investigators confirmed that although the order had been approved by the court, it had not yet been formally served to the suspect at the time of the incident. Deputies were attempting to serve the documentation when the stabbing occurred.
Court records indicate Shablykin had multiple prior contacts with law enforcement dating back to 2020, primarily involving traffic-related offenses, including driving without a valid license and refusing to identify himself during traffic stops. Records reflect at least 14 separate cases. A 2023 trespassing charge was dismissed.
A family acquaintance told media outlets that other immediate family members were not present at the residence during the attack and were safe elsewhere at the time of the incident.
The Pierce County Sheriff’s Office and the Pierce County Force Investigation Team are continuing to investigate both the stabbing deaths and the deputy-involved shooting. Authorities have not yet released the names of the additional victims pending notification of next of kin.
Officials described the event as a tragic escalation of a domestic situation that unfolded rapidly despite law enforcement response efforts.
Further updates are expected as the investigation proceeds.