Crime
4 killed after shooting at Owl Bar in Anaconda
ANACONDA, MT — A deadly mass shooting early Friday morning at the Owl Bar on 3rd Street in Anaconda left four people dead and triggered a high-intensity police response, prompting widespread lockdowns and a manhunt for the armed suspect.
Authorities say the suspect, believed to be wielding an AR-15-style rifle, opened fire inside or near the bar before fleeing the scene.
Initial reports estimated between two to four victims, later confirmed as four fatalities.
Eyewitnesses described a chaotic and terrifying scene as shots rang out, followed by the sound of sirens and a heavy law enforcement presence throughout the area.
Following the incident, police initiated an active search across town.
Multiple state and local law enforcement agencies converged on the community, establishing perimeters and pursuing leads as the suspect reportedly fled in a hijacked truck.
Scanner traffic and eyewitness accounts suggested the shooter was headed toward Georgetown Lake, prompting an extended search throughout Deer Lodge and neighboring areas.
At one point, officers surrounded a residence where the suspect was believed to be holed up.
The Granite County Sheriff’s Office issued an advisory confirming that deputies were stationed in the Georgetown Lake/Flint Creek area out of precaution. They described the suspect as wearing a tie-dye shirt, blue jeans, and an orange bandana. While officials stated there was no active threat to Granite County residents at the time, residents were asked to remain vigilant.
A source informed Channel2 NOW that the suspect is believed to be a military veteran who may have been struggling with alcohol and mental health issues. “From what I’ve been told by people who know him personally, he had reportedly stopped taking his prescribed medication,” the source said.
Anaconda was temporarily placed under a shelter-in-place order as officers moved through various neighborhoods and businesses were advised to shut down until the suspect was apprehended.
That order was briefly lifted but later reinstated amid conflicting reports and ongoing uncertainty about the shooter’s location.
Residents took to social media to share their concerns and warn others in real time. One woman wrote, “This is so scary—we’re at my mom’s in Anaconda taking care of her.” Others echoed similar sentiments, with one post noting, “This is too close to home.”
Despite the large-scale search, the suspect’s identity has not yet been publicly released, and no arrest has been confirmed.
Law enforcement officials continue to urge the public to avoid the 3rd Street and Ash Street area and not to approach active police scenes.
Anyone with information is asked to contact local authorities immediately.
As of Friday afternoon, no further updates have been issued, and the situation remains under investigation.
If you are in the area:
- Avoid police activity zones and roadblocks.
- Stay indoors unless otherwise instructed by law enforcement.
- Report any suspicious activity or tips to 911.
This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.
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.