Michael Paul Brown, 39, is charged with the shooting deaths of four individuals at Owl Bar, where he was a frequent patron, on August 1.
Arrest Made in Montana Bar Shooting That Left Four Dead
Arrest Made in Montana Bar Shooting That Left Four Dead
A military veteran has been apprehended in connection with a deadly bar shooting in Anaconda, Montana, a week after the incident.
In a series of events that have left the small community in shock, the suspect reportedly fled into nearby mountainous terrain after the shooting, shedding his clothes in the aftermath. Law enforcement quickly mobilized a manhunt that culminated in Brown's arrest last week. "I am proud of the unrelenting law enforcement effort this week to find and arrest Michael Paul Brown," said Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen. He added that the suspect was found in a densely populated area surrounding Anaconda, a town of around 10,000 people.
According to reports, Brown walked into the bar he frequently visited and opened fire shortly after entering. David Gwerder, the owner of Owl Bar, expressed disbelief over the attack, stating, "He didn't have any running dispute with any of them. I just think he snapped." The victims included barmaid Nancy Lauretta Kelley, 64, and three patrons: Daniel Edwin Baillie, 59, David Allen Leach, 70, and Tony Wayne Palm, 74.
Brown is a former US Army soldier who served as an armor crewman from 2001 to 2005, with a deployment to Iraq during that timeframe. Following the shooting, authorities located a white Ford-150 pickup truck believed to be used by Brown for his getaway but initially found no trace of him. Images released by law enforcement show Brown fleeing the scene, shirtless and wearing only black shorts. According to Knudsen, Brown likely changed clothes after abandoning some of his belongings.
The investigation is ongoing as the community grapples with the tragic event, and authorities continue to seek clarity on the motive behind the shooting.
According to reports, Brown walked into the bar he frequently visited and opened fire shortly after entering. David Gwerder, the owner of Owl Bar, expressed disbelief over the attack, stating, "He didn't have any running dispute with any of them. I just think he snapped." The victims included barmaid Nancy Lauretta Kelley, 64, and three patrons: Daniel Edwin Baillie, 59, David Allen Leach, 70, and Tony Wayne Palm, 74.
Brown is a former US Army soldier who served as an armor crewman from 2001 to 2005, with a deployment to Iraq during that timeframe. Following the shooting, authorities located a white Ford-150 pickup truck believed to be used by Brown for his getaway but initially found no trace of him. Images released by law enforcement show Brown fleeing the scene, shirtless and wearing only black shorts. According to Knudsen, Brown likely changed clothes after abandoning some of his belongings.
The investigation is ongoing as the community grapples with the tragic event, and authorities continue to seek clarity on the motive behind the shooting.
