Anaconda, MT
One of two dangerous fugitives has been apprehended, while the other remains at large. Both are ex-military personnel, with one accused of a deadly shooting incident at a bar in Montana and the other facing accusations related to his three young daughters.
Michael Paul Brown, 45, was taken into custody after allegedly killing four people in Anaconda on Friday morning. Meanwhile, Travis Decker, 33, is wanted in Washington for the alleged murder of his three daughters on May 30.
Law enforcement, both local and federal, collaborated by using helicopters and ground teams to track the suspects through challenging mountainous terrain.
To gain insight into the situation, Fox News Digital consulted with Mykel Hawke, a retired special forces officer and survival expert, known for his work on television. He noted, “Eventually, you’ll leave a trace that can be discovered.”
Details on the fugitives
Decker, while attempting to become an Army Ranger, completed Jump School and served in Afghanistan but never earned the Ranger Tab, indicating some unresolved issues in his training. Hawke mentioned the challenges Decker faced, suggesting that someone recognized he wasn’t suited for that path.
After his service, Decker transitioned to the National Guard, focusing more on communication than infantry skills, which apparently limited his tactical survival training.
Brown’s military experience
Brown served as an armored crew member and not in infantry roles. Hawke explained that such positions don’t typically invest much time in the types of survival skills needed for rugged terrain.
Brown served from January 2001 to May 2005 and was part of the Montana State Guard from April 2006 to March 2009. He was deployed to Iraq and left the Army as a Sergeant. Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen expressed grave concerns, stating, “This individual has killed four people in cold blood, causing public alarm.”
Wilderness survival skills
Surviving in the wilderness is more than just basic training. Hawk emphasized that without pre-packed supplies, fugitives must learn to hunt or forage for food.
Water is another pressing issue. They’ll need a reliable source, which often requires boiling, something that poses risks since it can create smoke. Alternatives like chemical purification can be unreliable too.
Additionally, shelter is vital since temperatures drop at night. Hawk clarified that navigating rough terrain without GPS could make things more challenging, leading fugitives to rely on maps or local knowledge.
Ultimately, survival relies on either staying concealed or remaining mobile. Hawk succinctly stated, “You’re either hiding or running,” pointing out that movement leaves traces, making capture more likely. A reward of $10,000 is being offered for information leading to Brown’s capture, while up to $20,000 is being offered for Decker.
