Manhunt for Suspected Shooter in Montana Town
Anaconda, Mont. – A former Army veteran is the prime suspect in a tragic shooting that left four people dead in the small western town of Anaconda, population 9,000. This ignited a significant manhunt that lasted over a week.
Michael Paul Brown, 45, from Anaconda, was deemed the most wanted man in the state until he was located near a barn just under six miles from where the crime took place. He is now in custody.
Here’s a timeline of the events surrounding this incident.
Friday, August 1
At approximately 10:30 a.m., Brown entered the Owl Bar, a local favorite where he was a familiar face, and started a fire. He reportedly lived next door and likely knew the victims, as noted by Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen.
Brown was quickly identified as the suspect. Authorities conducted a raid on his home but didn’t find him there.
Governor Greg Gianforte acknowledged the violence on Facebook, asking for prayers for the victims and their families as law enforcement worked diligently. The FBI and ATF joined local authorities in the search for Brown, leading to a lockdown in the area.
A substantial manhunt unfolded in the nearby mountains, involving various law enforcement agencies, including the Anaconda-Deer Lodge County Law Enforcement Center.
Authorities discovered a Ford F-150 truck believed to belong to Brown, but he was not inside. They found it stocked with clothes and outdoor gear, hinting at potential preparation for a long escape.
Brown’s military history was later revealed; he served in the Army from January 2001 to May 2005 and was a member of the National Guard until 2009.
Saturday, August 2
Authorities released a shirtless photo of Brown, showing him wearing black shorts, taken shortly after the shooting. Although the lockdown around Stamp Town Road was lifted, searches using air and ground teams expanded to the Barker Lakes area.
Knudsen mentioned that 250 law enforcement agencies were actively involved in Saturday’s search operations.
Sunday, August 3
At a press conference, Knudsen named the victims: Daniel Edwin Bailey, 59; Nancy Lauretta Kelly, 64; David Allen Leach, 70; and Tony Wayne Palm, 74. Kelly was working as a bartender at the Owl Bar, while the others were patrons.
The former military service offered a $7,500 reward for information leading to Brown’s capture, emphasizing his access to firearms and potential for danger.
Monday, August 4
The search for Brown intensified, with the reward offered for his capture increasing to $10,000.
Tuesday, August 5
Gianforte held his first press conference since the tragedy, expressing condolences to the victims’ families and commending law enforcement’s dedication. He also announced support for local agencies from state emergency funds.
Wednesday, August 6
No significant updates emerged from the search efforts on Wednesday.
Thursday, August 7
Local residents expressed fear about returning to the town following the shooting. One bartender noted the unsettling atmosphere and emotional toll on the community. Another resident reported a palpable change in the town’s demeanor since the incident.
Friday, August 8
As the manhunt continued, reports began to circulate that Brown had been apprehended. Later, Gianforte confirmed his capture on social media.
During a press conference, Gianforte praised law enforcement for their swift action. Knudsen remarked on the cooperative effort among various agencies. Brown was tracked down near a barn on private property approximately five and a half miles from the Owl Bar.
He was taken to a local hospital for evaluation before being booked into prison. Authorities disclosed little else regarding charges or motives, with the investigation ongoing.
