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.