$7,500 Reward Offered for Suspect Wanted in Montana Bar Shooting

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Authorities have announced a $7,500 reward for information leading to the arrest of Michael Paul Brown, a 45-year-old man suspected of fatally shooting four people at a local bar in Anaconda, Montana. The shooting occurred late in the evening on August 1 at The Owl Bar, leaving a small community shaken and prompting an extensive manhunt.

Brown, a former U.S. Army and National Guard serviceman, is accused of killing bartender Nancy Lauretta Kelley, 64, along with patrons Daniel Edwin Baillie, 59; David Allen Leach, 70; and Tony Wayne Palm, 74. Investigators believe he used a personal rifle during the attack before fleeing the scene in a stolen white Ford F-150. The vehicle was later found abandoned in a rugged area west of the town.

The suspect is considered armed and extremely dangerous. Law enforcement agencies, supported by air and ground search teams, have been scouring heavily forested terrain near Stumptown Road, where Brown may be hiding. Although a shelter-in-place order for Anaconda’s 9,000 residents has been lifted, officials continue to urge the public to remain alert.

Brown’s family has stated that he has struggled for years with mental health conditions, including bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. Authorities fear he may return to familiar areas nearby, heightening concern among local residents. In response, several community events have been canceled as a precaution.

The search effort is now entering its fourth day, with local, state, and federal law enforcement coordinating closely. The U.S. Marshals Service and Montana Department of Justice have joined the investigation, and tip lines remain open for anyone who may have seen Brown or knows his whereabouts.

Officials are appealing to the public to come forward with any credible information. They stress that Brown should not be approached under any circumstances, as he poses a serious threat to public safety. As the investigation continues, Anaconda residents are urged to stay vigilant and report suspicious activity immediately.