The fatal shooting of a drunken Montgomery County man who held two knives as he approached officers in June was justified, a special prosecutor has found.

County Sheriff's Deputy David Light shot Billy Ray Smith Jr., 49, twice in the chest from about 6 feet away after warning him to drop the knives, according to a review by Joel Branscom, Botetourt County commonwealth's attorney.

A toxicology report found that Smith had a blood-alcohol content of .21. Virginia's legal limit for driving is .08.

Virginia State Police investigated physical and medical evidence and call records, and interviewed the officers, neighbors, passers-by and witnesses in piecing together evidence in the incident.

Smith had called 911 at 11:40 p.m. on June 4, threatening to kill himself with a sword.

Light and another deputy went to Smith's home in the 400 block of Bee Lane in Blacksburg to search for him. Smith appeared in the yard, holding a knife to his throat and carrying another knife, the review said.

As Smith walked toward the officers, Light told him to drop the knives. Smith dropped one, but continued to hold the other knife at his throat and advance toward the retreating officers.

Smith told them he wouldn't let go of the second knife, and the officers warned him he would be shot.

Within arm's reach of the second officer, Smith moved the knife from his throat and toward the officer. Light fired.

The shots were "rapidly lethal," according to a medical examiner's report.

The officers had been placed on administrative leave during the investigation. No charges will be filed.