May 2, 2025

Fatal Officer-Involved Shooting at Amazon Facility in Florence, Kentucky

News Summary

A police-involved shooting at an Amazon facility in Florence, Kentucky, resulted in the death of a man after a confrontation with officers occurred. The incident began when local law enforcement responded to reports of a stolen semi-truck. The victim, Michael Simpson, allegedly brandished a firearm during the encounter before being shot and later pronounced dead at the hospital. The Kentucky State Police has launched an investigation into the incident, while Amazon confirmed that no employees were harmed.

Florence, Kentucky: Police Investigate Fatal Officer-Involved Shooting at Amazon Facility

A police shooting occurred early Tuesday morning outside an Amazon facility in Florence, Kentucky, resulting in the death of a man following a confrontation with law enforcement. The incident took place around 7 a.m. on Industrial Road, prompting a response from local law enforcement agencies.

Officers from the Boone County Sheriff’s Office and the Florence Police Department were called to the scene after receiving reports of a stolen semi-truck. Upon arrival, they located the truck and identified the driver as Michael Simpson, a 35-year-old resident of Cleves, Ohio. Authorities reported that when Simpson exited the vehicle, he did not comply with commands given by the officers.

A physical altercation ensued as Simpson engaged with the officers. During the confrontation, he allegedly brandished a firearm, pointing it at his own head while moving towards the Amazon parking lot. Eyewitnesses stated that officers were heard instructing Simpson to drop the weapon before shots were fired.

Two deputies from the Boone County Sheriff’s Office discharged their firearms, injuring Simpson. He was subsequently transported to St. Elizabeth Hospital, where he was pronounced dead shortly thereafter. One officer from the Florence Police Department sustained minor injuries during the altercation but did not require hospitalization.

The Kentucky State Police (KSP) confirmed that Simpson had no known affiliation with Amazon, distancing the company from the incident. Following the shooting, roads surrounding the Amazon facility were temporarily closed to facilitate the police response and investigation. Although these roads have since reopened, the Amazon parking lot remains closed as the investigation continues.

Investigation and Response

The KSP has initiated an investigation into the shooting and has yet to release specific details to the public pending further witness interviews. Authorities are committed to conducting a thorough examination of the event to determine the circumstances leading to the shooting. As of now, no further information has been disclosed regarding the investigation’s timeline or any potential outcomes.

Amazon has expressed relief that no employees were harmed during the incident and has confirmed their intention to fully cooperate with law enforcement authorities as the investigation unfolds.

Background Context

Officer-involved shootings are reviewed under a standard protocol to ensure transparency and accountability. The Boone County Sheriff’s Office and Florence Police Department have both indicated their readiness to assist in the KSP’s independent inquiry. The details surrounding the confrontation continue to be a critical focus for responding agencies and community members alike as they seek clarity on the incident.

This shooting raises questions regarding law enforcement procedures during high-stress situations involving firearms and will likely lead to discussions on police response tactics in similar scenarios. The entire community is awaiting further updates from the KSP as they process this unfortunate event.

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Additional Resources

Author: STAFF HERE FLORENCE WRITER

FLORENCE STAFF WRITER The FLORENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREFlorence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Florence, Florence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Florence Festival of Lights, Pee Dee Pride, and agricultural expos at the Florence Center. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Florence Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Pee Dee Area Council of Governments, plus leading businesses in healthcare and retail that power the local economy such as McLeod Health and Pee Dee Electric Cooperative. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharleston.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGreenville.com, and HEREHiltonHead.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.

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