The video above is from FOX19 NOW’s previous coverage.

FLORENCE, Ky. (WXIX) – No charges will be brought against the deputies who shot and killed an armed suspect outside of an Amazon facility back in April, Kenton County Commonwealth’s Attorney Rob Sanders announced Tuesday.

After a weeks-long investigation into yet another officer-involved shooting, Kentucky State Police and Sanders determined there is no probable cause that the two Boone County Sheriff’s deputies should face criminal charges.

“The bottom line is the officers were justified in the use of deadly force in protection of their own lives and the lives of their fellow officers, as well as the lives of the public,” Sanders said.

The armed suspect the two deputies shot four times was identified as 35-year-old Michael Simpson, of Greendale, Indiana.

CONTENT WARNING: Some of the information in this story may be graphic.

On April 29, Boone County dispatchers reported to law enforcement that a semi trailer had been stolen from a truck stop during the morning hours.

Florence police spotted the trailer and stopped it near Industrial Road.

The armed suspect, now known as Simpson, got out of the vehicle and did not listen to officers’ commands to stop and put the gun down, Sanders explained.

Body-worn camera shows law enforcement officers yelling, “Drop it! Drop it now,” and “Drop the gun” numerous times.

“Please, just let me go home! You’re gonna put me in jail,” Simpson repeatedly told them.

Multiple deputies and officers surrounded Simpson with their weapons ready, demanding that he drop the gun so they could talk.

“Let me go away! Shoot me,” the 35-year-old said. “It’s not your fault!”

He then asked how many charges he is facing, followed by, “I don’t want to do time in f*****g Kentucky.”

Throughout the tense verbal exchange, bodycam footage showed Simpson waving the gun and holding it to his own head.

“All we’re trying to do is talk,” a deputy said.

“I can’t go home now… I didn’t want to die today,” he responded.

Moments later, Simpson made his way toward law enforcement while still holding onto the gun, body camera video shows. That’s when two Boone County Sheriff’s deputies fired four shots, all of which hit the suspect.

Officers rendered aid to Simpson until EMS arrived to the scene. He was transported to a hospital where he died.

During Kentucky State Police’s investigation, detectives discovered Simpson struggled with mental health. His family told investigators that he had attempted suicide multiple times and said he would commit “suicide by cop” before he ever went back to jail.

Although Simpson did not have a prior felony record, he did spend some time in jail for previous DUI charges, Sanders said.

“Law enforcement is not required to wait until a gun is actually pointed at them before they use deadly weapons. They, like anybody else in the Commonwealth of Kentucky, are only required to be within reasonable fear that they are about to suffer death or serious physical injury,” Sanders continued.

In this case, law enforcement did feel there was a threat to their lives, he concluded.

If you or anyone you know is struggling with mental health or suicidal ideation, call or text 988.

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