The Cleveland police officer who shot and killed 12-year-old Tamir Rice last November claims he feared for his life when he encountered the boy in a neighborhood park waving a toy, replica gun just days before Thanksgiving.

According to Yahoo, in the official police report released last Friday, officer Timothy Loehmann also insists he only acted based on those fear and is described by others in the aftermath of the shooting as being "distraught."

The long sought after report's release comes just two days after Cleveland Municipal Court Judge Ronald Adrine ruled there was probable cause for Loehmann to face charges including murder, involuntary manslaughter, reckless homicide and dereliction of duty in connection with death of Rice, who was gunned down after police responded to a 911 call of someone with a gun and can be soon on surveillance video opening fire just seconds after they arrived on the scene.

The judge also ruled there's evidence to charge Loehmann's partner, Frank Garmback, with reckless homicide and dereliction of duty

The judge rendered his ruling after local activists submitted affidavits asking the court to rule there's enough evidence to criminally charge the officers in Rice's death, which sparked widespread protests and complaints against police over their overall treatment of blacks.

"There appears to be little if any time reflected on the video for Rice to react or respond to any verbal or audible comments," the judge wrote in his ruling.

Rice family attorney, Walter Madison, heralded the judge's actions as historic, adding, "I think it's a blueprint for the rest of the nation with respect to citizen participation. They're able to participate through engagement. They can witness the transparency. A transparency leads to legitimacy."

Up until now, police officials have said Loehmann ordered Rice to put his hands up at last three times before opening fire.

All the evidence could now be turned over to a grand jury, which will decide whether to formally press charges against either of the officers.