Authorities are searching for a 54-year-old man who walked away from a group home at Montana State Hospital in Warm Springs. Local law enforcement is asking residents not to approach the man and to immediately report any sightings to 911.
What residents need to know
The Anaconda Deer Lodge County and Butte-Silver Bow law enforcement agencies are coordinating the search for Christopher Michael Kepler, 54. Officials described him as roughly 5 feet 8 inches tall and 160 pounds, with long black hair; he has recently shaved his face.
If you see Christopher, DO NOT ENGAGE, APPROACH, OR ATTEMPT TO DETAIN HIM.
Officials reiterated that anyone who spots Kepler should maintain distance and contact their local law enforcement agency or call 911 with the person's location and direction of travel. A social media post from the ADLC 911 Dispatch page repeated the warning and asked the public not to intervene or follow Kepler.
- Subject: Christopher Michael Kepler, age 54
- Description: about 5'8", 160 lbs, long black hair; recently shaved
- Location of last known sighting: group home at Montana State Hospital, Warm Springs
- Response: Anaconda Deer Lodge County and Butte-Silver Bow law enforcement searching
- Public guidance: Do not approach; call 911 with location and direction
How law enforcement is handling the search
Both county agencies are actively attempting to locate Kepler and have asked the public to avoid attempting to detain or confront him. The emphasis on safety suggests authorities consider the situation potentially hazardous for untrained members of the public.
| Agency | Role |
|---|---|
| Anaconda Deer Lodge County | Search coordination, public alerts |
| Butte-Silver Bow | Search support and investigation |
Residents in Warm Springs, Anaconda, Butte and surrounding communities should remain alert, keep a safe distance if they see anyone matching the description, and provide immediate location details to 911. Law enforcement asks that anyone with information that could assist in locating Kepler call 911 or their local agency.
News Block will update this story as law enforcement releases additional information or the subject is located.
