ANACONDA, MT: One of two violent fugitives has been caught, with the other still at large, following a deadly bar shooting and a series of child murders. Both suspects are former members of the U.S. military, with tensions rising as authorities intensify efforts to catch them. The situation has sparked national attention, drawing insights from a retired U.S. Army Special Forces officer, Mykel Hawke, who emphasizes the limitations of basic survival training compared to elite evasion techniques.
Michael Paul Brown, 45, was on the run after allegedly shooting four people in the Anaconda, Montana, Owl Bar on Friday morning. Thirty-three-year-old Travis Decker has been a fugitive in Washington state after he allegedly murdered his three young daughters on May 30. Despite their military backgrounds, both individuals have limited survival experience, according to Hawke, who explained that basic military training does not equate to advanced survival skills.
While both suspects have served in combat zones, Hawke highlighted that neither received specialized training like the SERE program, which is designed for surviving hostile environments. Decker, who attempted to become an Army Ranger but never earned the Ranger tab, is believed to have had a limited survival skill set. His career shift from the infantry to communications and civil affairs further restricted his access to tactical survival tactics.
Authorities have deployed helicopters and ground teams to track the suspects across mountainous regions, using a combination of resources and technology to locate them. Hawke noted that without proper equipment and training, surviving in the wilderness during a manhunt is extremely difficult. He explained that obtaining food and water becomes a critical challenge, with methods such as hunting or foraging requiring static positioning, which increases the risk of detection.
Public safety is a major concern, as both suspects are considered dangerous and armed. The Montana Attorney General emphasized the need for vigilance, citing the potential threat to the community. As the search continues, the case has sparked discussions about the psychological and tactical aspects of evading law enforcement, with experts warning that the odds of long-term survival are very low.