On Friday morning, a tragic shooting occurred at The Owl Bar in Anaconda, Montana, resulting in the deaths of four victims: 59-year-old Daniel Edwin Baillie, 64-year-old Nancy Lauretta Kelley, 70-year-old David Allen Leach, and 74-year-old Tony Wayne Palm, all local residents. The alleged shooter, 45-year-old Army veteran Michael Brown, reportedly entered the bar around 10:30 a.m. and opened fire, prompting an immediate response from law enforcement. As the investigation unfolded, authorities launched a manhunt for Brown, who fled the scene shortly after the incident.
The search efforts intensified as officials identified the suspect’s last known whereabouts in the Stumptown area, west of Anaconda. On Saturday, law enforcement released a photo of Brown, depicting him barefoot and shirtless as he attempted to escape after the shooting. This image showed him wearing black shorts and navigating down a flight of steps. Despite the urgency of the situation, the motive behind the shooting remains unclear, leaving both investigators and the community searching for answers.
Following the shooting, authorities successfully located the white F-150 pickup truck that Brown had allegedly used to flee. However, the search did not yield any immediate contact with the suspect. Consequently, law enforcement reallocated resources to focus on the mountainous terrain near Stumptown Road, utilizing both air and ground support in their ongoing efforts to locate Brown. Additionally, a SWAT team cleared Brown’s residence, yet he remained unaccounted for, further heightening public concern.
As the manhunt continued, the Montana Department of Criminal Investigation (DCI) issued warnings to local residents to remain indoors and stay vigilant. Given the armed and dangerous nature of the suspect, authorities stressed the importance of not approaching Brown if spotted. Instead, residents were encouraged to immediately contact 911 if they encountered him. Brown was described as approximately 5-foot-10, weighing around 170 pounds, with blue eyes and brown hair, making him a recognizable figure for those in the area.
Brown’s military background has also come to light, with records indicating that he served as an armor crewman in the U.S. Army from January 2001 to May 2005 and later in the Montana National Guard from April 2006 to March 2009. His service included a deployment to Iraq from February 2004 to March 2005, during which he achieved the rank of sergeant. This information adds another layer of complexity to the investigation, as authorities consider the implications of his military experience in relation to the violent act committed.
As the tragic events of Friday resonate within the community and beyond, officials continue to work diligently to ensure public safety while seeking justice for the victims. The shocking nature of the incident, along with the ongoing manhunt, has created a palpable sense of tension and uncertainty in Anaconda, as residents grapple with the immediate aftermath of a violent act that has irrevocably altered their community.
