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Ferguson police officer in talks to resign

Darren Wilson may decide to quit the force just as grand jury is prepared to decide if he will face criminal charges.

By Mary Papenfuss
Mourners raise their hands and chant as they wait in line to enter the church for the funeral of Michael Brown in St. Louis in August (UPI/Bill Greenblatt).
Mourners raise their hands and chant as they wait in line to enter the church for the funeral of Michael Brown in St. Louis in August (UPI/Bill Greenblatt). | License Photo

FERGUSON, Mo., Nov. 20 (UPI) -- The Missouri police officer who fatally shot black teenager Michael Brown is in final negotiations with Ferguson city officials to resign, and may announce his decision as early as today, according to sources.

Officer Darren Wilson, who maintains he did nothing wrong in the controversial August shooting, is continuing to work out details of his resignation even as a grand jury is considering whether or not he committed a crime. The final determination of the resignation hinges on the grand jury's decision, sources tell CNN.

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Wilson wants to step out of the spotlight to ease pressure in the tinderbox town and help protect his fellow officers, he has told associates.

The grand jury decision could come down today as well. Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon has already declared a state of emergency and has authorized the National Guard to aid police as he steels for protests, particularly if the panel doesn't hand down a criminal indictment against Wilson, as is widely expected.

Prosecutor Robert McCulloch has said he plans to make public all evidence and testimony presented to the grand jury, but there is mounting concern on how to protect people who have testified.

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Police already clashed with protesters Wednesday night and five people were arrested as demonstrators grow restive.

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