Ferguson, Mo. police officer Darren Wilson is reportedly in final talks to resign from the department as a grand jury is on the verge of deciding whether to indict the officer for the shooting and killing of Michael Brown.

CNN reports that Wilson is apparently considering leaving Ferguson PD "as a way to help ease pressure and protect his fellow officers." Wilson has apparently been cautious to not move forward with an official resignation while the grand jury is still deliberating, "for fear it would appear he was admitting fault." CNN speculates that Wilson could resign as soon as today, when the grand jury could also deliver its decision.

Meanwhile, Ferguson is bracing for the outcome of the grand jury's deliberations: Missouri Governor Jay Nixon declared a 30-day state of emergency on Monday, and locals have been feverishly stocking up on guns. Protests and demonstrations started cropping up in the streets Wednesday and Thursday night; the Wall Street Journal reports "a handful" of people were arrested by police last night.

[H/T Complex]