Manhunt launched in Montana for military veteran suspected of killing four people in bar shooting.

A significant manhunt is currently underway in Montana for a former U.S. Army soldier accused of a tragic mass shooting that resulted in the deaths of four individuals at The Owl Bar in Anaconda on Friday morning. Authorities have described the incident as a senseless act of violence that has shocked the local community.

The shooting occurred around 10:30 a.m. local time in Anaconda, a small city with a population of approximately 9,000 residents. According to the Montana Division of Criminal Investigation, all victims were pronounced dead at the scene, however, their identities have yet to be publicly released. Bar owner David Gwerder, who was not present during the incident, reported that a bartender and three patrons were the only individuals in the bar when 45-year-old Michael Paul Brown opened fire before fleeing the establishment.

Eyewitness accounts suggest that Brown, who resided next door to the bar, had no prior conflicts with the victims. Gwerder noted that Brown was likely familiar with everyone present that day.

Police have not yet disclosed a definitive motive for the shootings, but Brown’s niece has indicated that he struggled with mental health issues for several years and had reportedly faced challenges in receiving help from the Veterans Administration. She expressed her concerns for her uncle, stating that he often lost track of his surroundings and identity.

As of Saturday morning, Brown remains at large, prompting a large-scale search operation primarily focusing on mountainous areas in western Montana. Authorities were able to recover a 2007 white Ford F-150 pickup truck that Brown was last seen driving, but he was not found within or around the vehicle.

Lee Johnson, from the Montana Department of Justice, has warned the public that Brown is considered armed and dangerous. Residents in the surrounding areas have been advised to remain indoors and stay alert as the search continues. While there have been no reports of Brown causing harm beyond this incident, law enforcement agencies are treating the situation with the utmost seriousness.

Brown served in the U.S. Army from 2001 to 2005 and was deployed to Iraq during part of that time. He later joined the Montana National Guard from 2006 until his exit from military service in 2009 with the rank of sergeant.

The ongoing investigation and search efforts reflect the priority placed on ensuring community safety in the wake of this tragic event.

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