Bail for Anaconda shooting suspect set at $2 million

UPDATE: August 11, 2025 at 11:51 a.m. 

Michael Paul Brown's bail has been set at $2 million, the Anaconda-Deer Lodge County Attorney confirmed to NonStop Local. 

Paul is being held in the Butte-Silver Bow Detention Center. 

UPDATE: August 8, 2025 at 5:40 p.m.

Information was shared by Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen, Governor Greg Gianforte and other officials during the press conference regarding the arrest of Michael Paul Brown. Additionally, authorities shared Brown's mugshot after the conference had concluded.

Officials reported that Brown was apprehended and placed under arrested on Friday, August 8, around 2 p.m. The week-long search ended in a structure within the initial search area, which had previously been searched and declared unoccupied.

Law enforcement mentioned they received several tips that put search personnel in an "advantageous position," which enabled them to find Brown in the previously cleared structure. Brown was taken into custody without further issue, and is currently being held at the Butte-Silver Bow Detention Center, according to Attorney General Austin Knudsen.

"It's a good day. We got the man," Knudsen said. "I am proud of the unrelenting law enforcement effort this week."

"Our brave men and women in uniform didn't waste a second. Law enforcement jumped into action, began the search with the promise to not give up until they found this suspect," Governor Gianforte stated.

"The work that our local officers, standing arm to arm with U.S. Marshals, federal agents, members of law enforcement from communities across Montana - the work you all did is incredible," Deer Lodge County Attorney Morgan Smith said.

Attorney General Knudsen reported that dozens of agencies had a role in Friday's arrest efforts, and the search leading up to it. These agencies included the U.S. Marshals Service, Montana Highway Patrol, Laurel Police Department, Great Falls Police Department, the U.S. Forest Service and the Montana Division of Criminal Investigation.

UPDATE: August 8, 2025 at 3:45 p.m. 

Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen confirmed Michael Paul Brown was arrested near the search area in Anaconda.

Officials will be holding a press conference at 5:30 p.m. today regarding the arrest.

We will provide updates as more information becomes available. 

You can watch the press conference on NonStop Local's livestream here.

ANACONDA, Mont. — Michael Brown, who is suspected of shooting and killing four people at the Owl Bar in Anaconda, has reportedly been taken into custody, according to the Lewis and Clark County Sheriff’s Office. 

Sheriff Leo C. Dutton confirmed Brown’s arrest and that he is alive. 

Brown is suspected of opening fire at the Owl Bar, killing a bartender and three patrons. Deputies said that he then fled, abandoning a stolen pickup near Garrity Mountain before escaping into the foothills of the Anaconda Range.

The 45-year-old military veteran allegedly entered the Owl Bar on 3rd Street around 10:30 a.m. Aug. 1 and carried out the shootings. Investigators believe Brown lived in a house next door to the bar, was a regular there and likely knew his victims. Relatives and friends say he suffered from serious mental health problems, though a motive for the killings remains unclear.

It is unknown when the arrest occurred or what charges Brown may face.