What began as an ordinary day in the small, quiet town of Anaconda, Montana, quickly turned into a nightmare.
Several people were shot inside a local bar, and now the entire community is on edge as authorities search for the gunman who is still on the run.
Law enforcement has flooded the area, and residents have been urged to stay indoors as the manhunt intensifies.
Owl Bar Shooting Sparks Full Lockdown
The shooting reportedly happened inside the Owl Bar, a local spot in Anaconda.
Witnesses say gunfire broke out suddenly, injuring multiple people.
After the incident, the suspected shooter fled the scene, triggering a lockdown throughout the town.
The Granite County Sheriff’s Office quickly responded and launched a large-scale search, describing the suspect as armed and dangerous.
Suspect Description and Search Efforts
According to officials, the suspect was last seen wearing a tie-dyed T-shirt, blue jeans, and an orange bandana.
Law enforcement believed the shooter might have been driving a white Ford F-150.
That vehicle was later pulled over, but it turned out the suspect was no longer inside.
In a separate lead, SWAT teams raided a property tied to the suspect, but once again came up empty-handed.
The sheriff’s office has continued to urge locals to remain alert and avoid approaching anyone who matches the description.
SWAT Teams and Federal Agents Move In
By early afternoon, images of SWAT teams surrounding the Owl Bar began circulating online.
NBC Montana reporter Josh Margolis posted a photo just after 1 p.m. Mountain Time showing heavily armed officers near the scene.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) confirmed that agents from their Denver field office were also responding to the situation, adding a federal layer to the already tense operation.
Police Urge Public to Steer Clear of Search Zones
The Montana Highway Patrol released a public alert, warning residents about a major police presence west of Anaconda, particularly near Stumptown Road and Anderson Ranch Loop Road.
Authorities stressed that the suspect is believed to be armed and asked everyone to avoid the area completely.
What We Know So Far
Details about the victims and their conditions haven’t yet been released.
The motive behind the shooting is also unclear at this time.
What’s certain is that this incident has left the small Montana town rattled and law enforcement on high alert.
This is a developing story, and updates are expected as the investigation continues and the search for the shooter expands.