Authorities Search for Armed Veteran in Montana Quadruple Homicide

Law enforcement is actively searching for an Army veteran suspected of fatally shooting at least four individuals in Montana on Friday morning. The white Ford F-150 allegedly used by the suspect to escape has been found, but the suspect remains at large.

The Anaconda-Deer Lodge County Law Enforcement Center identified the suspect as 45-year-old Michael Paul Brown of Anaconda. Authorities believe he is armed and dangerous. Brown was last seen in the Stumptown area, west of Anaconda.

A photo of Brown was released, showing him barefoot and shirtless, walking down outdoor concrete steps. The state Department of Criminal Investigation (DCI) released a photo showing Brown wearing black shorts and fleeing after the shooting.

The shooting occurred around 10 a.m. at The Owl Bar. The victims included a bartender and three others. Their identities have not yet been released. The DCI confirmed the white F-150 pickup truck was located, but Brown was not found in or near the vehicle.

Following the discovery of the vehicle, the search focused on the mountains near Stumptown Road. The search involved air and ground resources and continued into Saturday. SWAT also searched Brown’s house on Friday, but he was not found.

Authorities have not received reports of Brown harming anyone else, but he is considered armed and dangerous. Residents in the area have been advised to stay indoors and remain vigilant.

Authorities converged on the Stumptown Road area by ground and air, implementing a lockdown that was lifted by Saturday. Residents are warned not to approach Brown if they see him and to call 911 immediately. He is described as 5-foot-10, approximately 170 pounds, with blue eyes and brown hair.

The names of the four victims will be released once all family members have been notified.

Brown served as an armor crewman in the Army from January 2001 to May 2005 and in the National Guard from April 2006 to March 2008. He deployed to Iraq from February 2004 to March 2005 and left the service as a sergeant. He also served as an armor crewman in the Montana National Guard from April 2006 to March 2009.