DEFENSE

Tamir Rice Cop Finally Tells His Story

Previously invoked right to remain silent.

Timothy Loehmann, the Cleveland police officer who shot and killed 12-year-old Tamir Rice last fall, finally spoke to investigators on Monday about the incident. He referred to the incident as "an active shooter situation" and claims he fired two shots after exiting his vehicle in the way he was trained to handle such situations. Loehmann repeatedly made reference to proper procedure, including his fixation on Rice's hands because "hands may kill." The officer claimed he and his partner repeatedly yelled at Rice to show his hands and comply with orders, but when he reached into his waistband, they assumed this was a shootout about to happen. At the time, however, Rice had a pellet gun on him and was playing on a playground.