A Montana city is on lockdown after four people were killed in a bar by an active shooter.
A shelter in place is in effect for Anaconda after a suspect identified by police as Michael Paul Brown, 45, allegedly opened fire inside Owl Bar in the city on Friday.
One person who spoke with MTN News said they had been at a nearby bar and saw the shooter walking around with a rifle.
Brown is armed and dangerous, according to The Anaconda Deer-Lodge County Law Enforcement Center which released an image of him amid the manhunt.
Officials said that he was last seen wearing a tie-dyed t shirt, blue jeans and an orange bandana.
Police said they pulled over the driver of a white Ford F-150 after chasing after the vehicle, but Brown was not inside the vehicle.
SWAT teams also raided Brown’s property, but he was not inside. According to records Brown’s home is directly adjacent to the bar.
The local sheriff’s office is urging residents to remain inside and stay ‘vigilant’.
A shelter in place is in effect for Anaconda after Michael Paul Brown, seen here, is said to have opened fire at Owl Bar in the city on Friday afternoon
One person who spoke with MTN News said they had been at a nearby bar and saw the shooter walking around with a rifle
SWAT teams also raided Brown’s property, but he was not inside. According to records Brown’s home is directly adjacent to the bar
Police said they pulled over the driver of a white Ford F-150 after chasing after the vehicle, but Brown was not inside the vehicle
NBC Montana reporter Josh Margolis shared an image of a SWAT team near the bar shortly after 1pm Mountain Time.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Denver office said that multiple people had been shot inside a business in Anaconda.
A spokesperson for the FBI’s Salt Lake City office, which covers the area, said the bureau was assisting in the response.
‘There is a heavy law enforcement presence west of Anaconda near Stumptown Road and Anderson Ranch Loop Road,’ The Montana Highway Patrol said.
‘Authorities are searching for a suspect believed to be armed. Please avoid the area.’
Governor Greg Gianforte said he is ‘closely monitoring’ the situation.
‘Please join Susan and me in praying for the victims, their loved ones, and the brave law enforcement officers responding to this tragedy,’ he said.
Authorities have yet to release details about what led to the shooting or the conditions of those who were injured.
This is a breaking news story. Please check back for updates.
