Montana Manhunt: Army Vet on the Run After Bar Shooting – What We Know
Montana Manhunt Intensifies: Suspect Still at Large
The search for Michael Paul Brown, the suspect in the fatal shooting at The Owl Bar in Anaconda, Montana, continues into its sixth day. Brown, an Army veteran, is accused of killing four people at the bar on August 1st, triggering a massive multi-agency manhunt across the rugged terrain of western Montana.
Montana Governor Greg Gianforte has signed an executive order to allocate more resources to local law enforcement. State and federal officials are collaborating in the search, which is focused on a mountainous area that includes Garrity Mountain, a popular hiking and camping destination.
Authorities believe Brown fled the scene in a white pickup truck, which he later abandoned, before stealing another white vehicle stocked with camping supplies. The victims of the shooting include a female bartender and three male patrons.
Challenges Hampering the Search
The manhunt faces significant challenges due to the dense forests, treacherous terrain, and vast wilderness of the area. According to the Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen, the last confirmed sighting of Brown was on the day of the shooting. However, there have been more recent signs suggesting his presence in the search area.
Knudsen stated that authorities are operating under the assumption that Brown is armed and dangerous. He described Brown as an unstable individual with access to numerous firearms. The Garrity Mountain Wildlife Management Area remains closed to the public due to safety concerns and the ongoing law enforcement activity.
Community Concerns and Updates
Residents of Anaconda have expressed concerns about the lack of communication regarding updates on the manhunt. Anaconda-Deer Lodge County Attorney Morgan Smith addressed these concerns, assuring residents that authorities are doing everything possible to resolve the situation. She acknowledged the anxiety within the community and emphasized the commitment to bringing the matter to a close.
The search continues, with law enforcement agencies utilizing both ground and air resources to locate Brown and ensure the safety of the public.