4 killed in shooting in Anaconda, Montana; authorities searching for suspect

Four people were killed in a shooting at a bar in Anaconda, Montana, on Friday, authorities said. A suspect is at large.

The Montana Division of Criminal Investigation confirmed to CBS News that the shooting happened at The Owl Bar in Anaconda at around 10:30 a.m. local time.

The Anaconda-Deer Lodge County Law Enforcement Department identified the suspect as Michael Paul Brown and said he was believed to be armed and dangerous.

“If seen do not approach,” the department said. “Contact 911 for any way to contact Michael Paul Brown.”

Authorities were searching for the suspect west of Anaconda near Stumptown Road and Anderson Ranch Loop Road, the state Division of Criminal Investigation, which is leading the investigation, said in a statement.

“We are asking people to please avoid the area,” the agency said.

The sheriff’s office for neighboring Granite County said on social media that the suspect was wearing a tie-dye shirt, blue jeans and an orange bandana.

The sheriff’s office said the suspect’s house in Anaconda had been cleared by a SWAT team.

Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte said he was monitoring the response to the incident.

“Please join Susan and me in praying for the victims, their loved ones, and the brave law enforcement officers responding to this tragedy,” Gianforte said on social media, referring to his wife, Susan Gianforte.