Anaconda, Montana — A manhunt is underway for a former U.S. soldier suspected of fatally shooting four people at a local bar. Michael Paul Brown, 45, has been described as armed and dangerous, having escaped in a stolen vehicle loaded with camping gear and clothing.

Authorities allege that Brown opened fire at The Owl Bar early Friday morning, killing a bartender and three patrons, all residents of Anaconda, which has a population of just over 9,000. The victims were identified as Daniel Edwin Baillie, 59, Nancy Lauretta Kelley, 64, David Allen Leach, 70, and Tony Wayne Palm, 74.

Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen stated at a Sunday press conference that Brown used a personal rifle during the attack. “This is an unstable individual who walked in and murdered four people in cold blood for no reason whatsoever,” Knudsen said, adding that there is considerable concern for public safety as Brown has connections to the area.

Local residents have expressed their shock and anxiety. Robert Wyatt, a neighbor of one of the victims, said the emotions have been palpable since the tragedy unfolded. “Everybody is nervous,” he remarked, recalling how Leach, known to keep mostly to himself, was always willing to help neighbors with tasks.

David Jabarek, another longtime Anaconda resident, noted the strangeness of such violence occurring in their tight-knit community. “We only have 9,000 people, so it’s like, what the hell just happened? Everybody knows everybody here,” he said. Jabarek explained that he narrowly avoided being at the bar just before the shooting occurred.

The search for Brown has entered its third day as law enforcement scours the rugged terrain around Anaconda. Portions of the nearby forest have been closed to the public to facilitate the investigation. “This area is where Brown hunted and camped as a child, so it’s a possibility he might return,” Knudsen mentioned.

Though the last confirmed sighting of Brown occurred on Friday afternoon, officials indicate that there was confusion due to multiple vehicles involved. Surveillance footage showed Brown barefoot and minimally clothed shortly after the shooting, but authorities now believe he may have switched to another vehicle containing additional clothing and gear.

Brown, who served in the Army from 2001 to 2005 and was part of the Montana National Guard until 2009, has a history of mental health struggles, according to his niece, Clare Boyle. She described him as a man grappling with serious issues, noting, “This isn’t just a drunk/high man going wild. It’s a sick man.”

Local officials are appealing to the public for information, offering a reward of $7,500 for any leads on Brown’s whereabouts. “This is still Montana. Montanans know how to take care of themselves. But please, if you have any sightings, call 911,” Knudsen urged.