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Law enforcement in Montana is increasing efforts to locate a former soldier wanted for allegedly killing four people at a local bar. Authorities are warning that the suspect, Michael Paul Brown, may be armed with camping gear and survival supplies stolen from another vehicle.
The Montana Department of Justice disclosed on Sunday that Brown, 45, fled the Owl Bar shooting barefoot and shirtless on Friday night. He was later spotted near a stolen white Ford F-150 containing clothing, food, and outdoor gear.
“We know Michael Paul Brown was shirtless and barefoot when he fled…,” stated Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen on Sunday. “We have very good reason to believe that he is clothed now and possibly carrying camping gear. He is probably able to get around undetected.”
Brown remains at large as of Monday, with the manhunt continuing throughout the weekend.
The search for Brown has expanded, involving hundreds of local, state, and federal officers, including the Montana Division of Criminal Investigation, ATF, FBI, U.S. Marshals, and local county agencies.
Brown was last seen in a location called “Stump Town,” located west of Anaconda, Montana. The area is characterized by steep, remote, and heavily wooded terrain.
“They’re dealing with extremely rugged terrain,” Knudsen stated. “Local law enforcement is stretched thin right now.”
The four victims of the shooting have been identified as Nancy Lauretta Kelley, Daniel Edwin Baillie, David Allen Leach, and Tony Wayne Palm. All were well-known locals in the small town of Anaconda.
Brown’s niece, Clare Boyle, mentioned that her uncle has been struggling with mental illness for years, seeking help from family members repeatedly.
The U.S. Marshals Service is offering a reward of $7,500 for any information leading to Brown’s arrest. Residents are encouraged to report tips at 1-877-926-8332.
Residents in the area have been advised to stay indoors and remain vigilant. Brown is described as 5 feet 10 inches tall, weighing about 170 pounds, with blue eyes and brown hair.
Authorities have cautioned residents not to approach the armed and dangerous suspect, emphasizing that he is unstable and dangerous.
Brown served in the Army as an armor crewman from January 2001 to May 2005 and in the National Guard from April 2006 to March 2008. He was deployed to Iraq from February 2004 to March 2005 and left the service as a sergeant.
He also served in the Montana National Guard from April 2006 to March 2009.
