Four Dead in CDT Trail Town Shooting, Suspect Still At Large

Four people are dead following a shooting incident at The Owl Bar in Anaconda, Montana, on Friday morning. Law enforcement has identified 45-year-old Michael Brown as the suspect and has launched an intensive manhunt. Brown is considered armed and extremely dangerous.

The shooting occurred around 10:30 AM at the popular local establishment. All four victims were pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities quickly secured the area and began their search for Brown.

A suspect has been identified as Michael Paul Brown. Photo via Anaconda-Deer Lodge County Law Enforcement

Brown, who reportedly lived next door to The Owl Bar, was last seen driving a white 2007 Ford F-150 pickup truck with Montana license plates DTY493. The vehicle was last seen heading west of Anaconda on Stumptown Road, a segment of the Continental Divide Trail (Anaconda Alternate mile markers 21.2-24.9).

A heavy law enforcement presence, including a SWAT team, has since converged on the Stumptown area and surrounding forest, believing Brown to be hiding there. His residence has been cleared by a SWAT team. “I’m constantly hearing sirens go off every 10 or 15 minutes,” said Brandon Baragar, 32, who lives in the area. “They’re looking, just trying to find a needle in a haystack”.

Michael Brown is described as 5 feet 10 inches tall, weighing 170 pounds, with blue eyes and brown hair. He was last seen wearing a tie-dyed shirt, blue jeans, and an orange bandana. The Montana Highway Patrol, Anaconda-Deer Lodge County Law Enforcement, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) from Denver, and the FBI are all involved in the ongoing search.

Police officers outside the Owl Bar in Anaconda, MT, after a shooting on Friday. Photo: Joseph Scheller/The Montana Standard, via Associated Press

“We are Montana, so guns are not new to us,” Firefly Café owner Barbie Nelson said. “For our town to be locked down, everybody’s pretty rattled.”

Officials are urging the public to remain vigilant and seek shelter when possible. Anyone who spots Michael Brown or his vehicle is advised not to approach him and to immediately contact 911 or the Anaconda/Deer Lodge Law Enforcement at 563-5241 with any information.

The motive behind the shooting remains under investigation.