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
Walls Police Officer Da’Quarius Burton Injured in Deadly Mississippi Crash, Mother Confirms He Is Alive and Safe
DESOTO COUNTY, Mississippi — Walls Police Officer Da’Quarius Burton was injured in a deadly two-vehicle collision on U.S. Highway 61 in DeSoto County, Mississippi, but his mother has confirmed that he is alive, safe and recovering following the crash.
Burton, 27, of Memphis, Tennessee, was driving a Dodge Durango involved in the collision shortly after 8 p.m. Wednesday at the intersection of U.S. Highway 61 and Church Road in Walls.
The crash claimed the lives of three people traveling in a Honda Accord. The incident also left another passenger injured and involved employees of the DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office Juvenile Detention Center.
Following the crash, misinformation circulated online suggesting that Burton had died and that he was a juvenile detention officer.
His mother, Tee Burton, publicly addressed the reports, firmly correcting the information and asking people to stop sharing unverified claims.
She confirmed that her son is alive, safe and okay. She also emphasized that he is not a juvenile detention officer.
In her statement, she expressed disappointment over reports falsely identifying her son as one of the people who died in the collision.
She also acknowledged the families who lost loved ones and urged the public to show compassion toward everyone affected by the tragedy.
Her statement included the following message:
“My son is alive!!! He is safe, and he is okay!!!”
She further asked people to verify information before publishing or reposting details that could cause unnecessary emotional distress to families.
According to the Mississippi Highway Patrol, a northbound Dodge Durango traveling on U.S. Highway 61 collided with a westbound Honda Accord traveling on Church Road.
Three occupants of the Honda were pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities identified the victims as:
- Latasha N. Dodson, 37, of Horn Lake, Mississippi, the Honda driver.
- Eddie L. Dodson Jr., 41, of Byhalia, Mississippi.
- Tamenshia R. Ford, 32, of Horn Lake, Mississippi.
Burton and another passenger in the Honda survived the collision but sustained injuries and were transported to a local hospital. Their specific medical conditions have not been publicly detailed in the information provided.
The DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that two people involved in the crash were employees of its Juvenile Detention Center.
One of those employees was Tamenshia R. Ford, who died in the collision. The second employee was seriously injured.
Sheriff Thomas E. Tuggle II expressed condolences following the death of the employee, describing the person as a respected and beloved member of the department.
“Our fallen officer was a respected and beloved member of our team,” Tuggle said.
The sheriff’s office also recognized the employee’s dedication, compassion and commitment to working with young people entrusted to the facility’s care.
State officials confirmed that the Dodge Durango involved in the collision belonged to the Walls Police Department.
The city’s mayor and police chief also confirmed that a Walls police officer was involved in the crash. Burton’s mother has since clarified that her son is the officer and that he survived.
An SUV displaying Walls Police Department identification was seen being towed from the crash scene Wednesday night.
The Mississippi Highway Patrol is leading the investigation into the fatal collision.
Investigators are working to determine the circumstances surrounding the crash. Authorities have not released additional details about what led to the vehicles colliding.
The crash resulted in three deaths and left multiple people injured. Burton’s family has asked the public to respect the victims and their loved ones while avoiding the spread of false information.
The investigation remains ongoing.