Michael Paul Brown, a 45-year-old U.S. Army veteran, was reportedly apprehended on Friday after a weeklong manhunt following a mass shooting at The Owl Bar in Anaconda, Montana, that left four dead. The victims—bartender Nancy Lauretta Kelley, 64, and patrons Daniel Edwin Baillie, 59; David Allen Leach, 70; and Tony Wayne Palm, 74—were local residents known to Brown, who lived next door to the bar.
Brown allegedly entered the bar around 10:30 a.m. on August 1 and opened fire with a rifle, killing the four individuals before fleeing the scene.
He was later found armed in a structure near Anaconda, ending a search that involved over 100 law enforcement officers. Montana Governor Greg Gianforte praised the coordinated efforts of the law enforcement community, stating, “Incredible response from law enforcement officers across Montana. Thank you to all partners for your commitment to the search.”
Brown served in the Army from 2001 to 2005, including a deployment to Iraq, and continued his service with the Montana National Guard until 2009. His niece, Clare Boyle, revealed that he had struggled with mental health issues, stating, “This isn’t just a drunk/high man going wild. It’s a sick man who doesn’t know who he is sometimes and frequently doesn’t know where or when he is either.”
The motive for the shooting remains under investigation. Authorities have not disclosed further details at this time.
The arrest brings some measure of closure to the Anaconda community, which has been shaken by the tragedy. Local officials and residents have expressed relief and gratitude for the swift resolution of the case.
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