Crime
Exclusive Photos of Michael Paul Brown, Suspect in Anaconda Owl Bar Shooting
Michael Brown is a former U.S. soldier
Channel2 NOW has obtained and released exclusive photos of Michael Paul Brown, the suspect in Friday morning’s mass shooting at The Owl Bar in Anaconda, Montana.
The tragic incident unfolded around 10:30 a.m. and left four individuals dead, including a bartender and three patrons, according to law enforcement.
Michael Paul Brown, 45, of Anaconda, has been identified as the sole suspect in the shooting.
Authorities say he remains at large and is considered armed and extremely dangerous.
Law enforcement agencies are continuing a widespread manhunt, with a heavy police presence in and around Anaconda, particularly the Stumptown area.
As of 9:40 p.m. Friday evening, the Granite County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that Brown was still at large. “There is a perimeter set in the Stumptown area,” the agency stated in a public advisory. “Granite County Deputies will be patrolling the Georgetown Lake area and nearby towns. Stay vigilant—lock your doors and vehicles.”
A Montana Department of Justice press conference was scheduled for 10:05 p.m. to provide updates on the ongoing investigation and search efforts.
Brown was last seen driving a stolen 2007 white Ford F-150 pickup truck bearing Montana license plate DTY493.
The vehicle was reportedly heading west from Anaconda on Stumptown Road at the time it was spotted.
He is described as approximately 5 feet 10 inches tall, weighing around 170 pounds, with blue eyes and brown hair.
Authorities have warned the public not to approach Brown under any circumstances and to call 911 immediately with any sightings or tips.
Individuals with information can also contact Anaconda-Deer Lodge Law Enforcement at 406-563-5241.
Brown’s residence—located next to The Owl Bar—was cleared earlier in the day by a SWAT team, but the suspect was not found inside.
Law enforcement sealed off access to the area, and a helicopter was deployed for aerial surveillance, assisting officers as they searched wooded terrain.
Over a dozen officers from multiple local and state agencies are involved in the manhunt.
Brown served in the U.S. Army as an armor crewman from 2001 to 2005 and was deployed to Iraq between early 2004 and March 2005.
He later served in the Montana National Guard from 2006 until March 2009, leaving military service with the rank of sergeant, according to Lt. Col. Ruth Castro, an Army spokesperson.
In interviews with Channel2 NOW, friends and relatives of Brown expressed deep concern over his longstanding, untreated mental health issues.
One friend described Brown as a “gentle soul” who struggled with PTSD and was known to share delusional stories about still operating in special forces. According to the friend, several local residents had previously reported concerns about Brown’s behavior to authorities, but no intervention followed.
“He needed help,” the friend said. “It’s devastating that no one listened until it was too late.”
Jacob Burns, a relative of the suspect, confirmed that while Brown did not suffer from substance abuse, he had significant untreated mental health conditions.
The town of Anaconda, with a population of approximately 9,000, was thrown into lockdown Friday.
Residents were urged to remain indoors, and numerous businesses, including the Firefly Café and McDonald’s, closed early out of caution.
Sage Huot, owner of Caterpillars to Butterflies Childcare, said she immediately initiated lockdown procedures when she received word of the shooting.
“We practice fire drills and active shooter drills regularly,” she said. “We locked the facility and kept the children away from windows and doors all day.”
Bar owner David Gwerder, who was not present during the shooting, told the Associated Press that he believes Brown personally knew all four victims. “He didn’t have any disputes with them. I just think he snapped,” Gwerder said.
As of this report, law enforcement operations remain active, and the public is urged to rely on official updates rather than social media speculation. Authorities continue to patrol the wider Anaconda, Georgetown Lake, Flint Creek, and Drummond regions.
Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available from the Montana Department of Justice and local law enforcement agencies.
Authorities are investigating a fatal shooting that occurred early Saturday morning during a domestic altercation at an apartment on Mel Smith Road, located in an unincorporated area outside New Albany.
The Floyd County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO) received the initial emergency call at approximately 5:39 a.m. on November 15, 2025, reporting a disturbance involving family members.
While officers were en route, additional information indicated that shots had been fired inside the residence.
Upon arrival, deputies encountered a domestic situation involving a mother and her two adult sons.
Officers immediately secured the scene and began administering medical aid to one of the men who had sustained gunshot wounds.
The second male remained at the location and cooperated fully with responding officers.
The injured individual was transported to a nearby hospital; however, he later died as a result of his injuries.
Detectives with the Floyd County Criminal Investigations Division (CID) have taken over the case and processed the scene for evidence.
Early findings suggest the shooting may have occurred in self-defense, though officials emphasize that the investigation is still in its preliminary stages.
The Floyd County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that the incident was isolated and that there is no ongoing threat to the public.
Authorities state that additional updates will be released as the investigation progresses and more information becomes available.
The case remains active.