OLATHE, Kan. — The Johnson County District Attorney’s Office said an Olathe police officer will not face charges in connection with an Olathe shooting that left a man dead on New Year’s Eve.

The DA determined the officer properly used force when he shot and killed 27-year-old Brandon Lynch shortly before 11:30 p.m. Dec. 31, 2022.

Investigators said they used force after encountering Lynch near E. 121st and E. Oakview streets because he was allegedly armed with a knife.

“It is my decision today that – that decision by the officers was reasonable based on all of the facts and again we can’t go back to the would of, could of, should of – you what’re the other options available to him. That’s not the test under Kansas Law”  Johnson County District Attorney Steve Howe said.

His mother said Lynch suffered from paranoia and schizophrenia for years, and it wasn’t the first time officers responded to her home while Lynch had a knife in his hand.

Officers said at the scene Lynch advanced at them with an edged weapon, and when they tried to use a stun gun on him, but it had no effect.

Investigators said while police continued to make contact with Lynch, one officer shot him with their department-issued handgun, killing him.

One officer has returned to work already and the other will return in the coming days.