Manhunt in Montana: Authorities Intensify Search for Suspect in Quadruple Murder

The search for Michael Paul Brown, the Army veteran accused of killing four people at a bar in Montana, has been expanded, with parts of the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest now closed to the public. Local, state, and federal agencies are conducting a comprehensive search by land and air for the suspect, according to a Montana Department of Justice spokesperson.

Brown, who is described by authorities as "armed and extremely dangerous," was captured on security footage fleeing The Owl Bar in Anaconda Deer-Lodge County, where the fatal shooting occurred. He was last seen in the Stump Town area, west of Anaconda. Anaconda Deer-Lodge County Chief Bill Sather urged residents to exercise caution and call 911 if they see the gunman, stating, "It’s okay to go about your business in town but please use caution."

Tragic Details Emerge from the Scene

The motive for the shooting in the usually tranquil backcountry remains a mystery. The Montana Division of Criminal Investigation confirmed that the shooting took place at 10:30 a.m. at the Owl Bar. Cassandra Dutra, a bartender at the establishment, described the incident as "extremely overwhelming and sad." She noted that Brown lived next door to the bar and was a frequent customer, but "he wasn’t a part of the camaraderie" among other patrons.

David Gwerder, the owner of The Owl Bar, told the Associated Press that he was unaware of any conflicts between Brown and anyone in the bar on Friday morning, suggesting that Brown may have simply "snapped." Authorities have identified the four victims, but their names will not be released until all families have been notified. Dutra believes that everyone present at the bar, including a bartender and three customers, was killed.

The Suspect's Background and the Challenging Search

Brown served in the U.S. Army from January 2001 to May 2005, including a deployment to Iraq. He later joined the Montana National Guard. His niece, Clare Boyle, said that her uncle was a veteran who struggled with mental health issues, which worsened after the death of his parents. The Army declined to release details about his mental health history due to privacy constraints.

The search for Brown is proving to be a challenge, as the target area is located within a massive, rugged forest. Dan Haffey, an Anaconda resident, explained that "There’s a thousand places to hide on that mountain," calling the area "gigantic." A white Ford F-150 truck that Brown was driving was found after the shooting, but he was not in or near the vehicle, complicating the search efforts.