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
Angela Johnson and Her Son DeAngelo Johnson Killed After Shooting Inside Home in Chicago, Mother’s Boyfriend in Custody
CHICAGO — A 47-year-old mother and her 27-year-old son were fatally shot inside a residence in Chicago’s Austin neighborhood on the West Side late Thursday night, September 24, 2026, according to Chicago police.
The victims were identified as Angela Johnson, 47, and DeAngelo Johnson, 27. Police said a suspect, identified as Angela Johnson’s boyfriend, was taken into custody following the shooting.
The deadly shooting happened in the 800 block of North Parkside Avenue at approximately 10:43 p.m. Witnesses reported hearing gunshots coming from the basement of the residence and called 911.
When Chicago police officers arrived, they found the two victims suffering from gunshot wounds.
Angela Johnson was found in the basement with a gunshot wound to her chest. Police-radio traffic indicated she had been shot on the right side of her chest.
DeAngelo Johnson was found on the first floor with multiple gunshot wounds. Radio traffic indicated that he had suffered two gunshot wounds to his back.
Both victims were initially unresponsive and in critical condition. Emergency personnel performed CPR on DeAngelo Johnson before both victims were transported to Mount Sinai Hospital, where they were pronounced dead.
According to police-radio traffic, one victim was pronounced dead at approximately 11:18 p.m., while the male victim was pronounced dead around 11:21 p.m.
Investigators found extensive evidence inside the residence, including approximately 23 shell casings in a basement bedroom. Additional shell casings were reportedly recovered in other areas of the basement, including the stairway, main room and bedroom.
Officers initially recovered a firearm and shell casings from the basement bedroom. Police later located a second firearm inside the home, bringing the total number of recovered firearms to two.
Authorities have not publicly stated who owned the firearms or confirmed which weapon, if either, was used in the fatal shooting.
Police also reported that DeAngelo Johnson was wearing an empty holster when officers found him on the first floor. That discovery prompted an officer-safety alert as officers searched the residence for the missing firearm.
Chicago police said the shooting appeared to be domestic-related and identified the alleged offender as the mother’s boyfriend.
Radio traffic indicated that a person had been detained by approximately 11:26 p.m. The official police report later confirmed that the known offender was taken into custody.
Two witnesses were reportedly available to identify the alleged offender, and officers conducted a show-up identification procedure near the scene.
Police have not released additional information about potential charges against the suspect.
The investigation into the Chicago Austin neighborhood double shooting remains ongoing. Detectives are continuing to examine the circumstances that led to the shooting, the relationship between the people involved and the role of the two recovered firearms.
The deaths of Angela Johnson and DeAngelo Johnson are being investigated as a double homicide.