A state investigation found that a sheriff's deputy was justified in fatally shooting a man who refused to drop his weapons and aimed one of them at law-enforcement officers, authorities said Thursday.

The finding by the state Bureau of Criminal Apprehension backs up the use of deadly force by Chisago County deputy Gregory Husmann when he shot Robert E. Aho, 46, at the man's home in North Branch.

Authorities went to the house in the 38000 block of Feaski Circle on a report that Aho had threatened his wife with a gun.

When officers arrived, Aho's wife, sister and stepdaughter had left the house, but Aho was inside.

Aho emerged with a rifle and shotgun, the BCA said. Officers say he pointed one of the guns at officers, and Husmann shot Aho.

Husmann has been with the Sheriff's Office for more than nine years.

PAUL WALSH