ST. LOUIS (AP) — A group leading efforts to protest the fatal police shooting of 18-year-old Michael Brown is asking for advance notice before Missouri prosecutors announce whether the officer will be charged, saying it will help avoid widespread violence.

Members of the Don’t Shoot Coalition said Wednesday they’re preparing for when a grand jury decides whether to indict Ferguson police officer Darren Wilson. A decision could come later this month.

Wilson fatally shot Brown, who was unarmed, in the St. Louis suburb Aug. 9. The shooting has sparked ongoing protests, including some that turned violent.

Hundreds of protesters have been arrested.
Activists have criticized law enforcement’s use of tear gas and armored vehicles during protests. They asked Wednesday that such tactics not be used, saying they want to “de-escalate violence without de-escalating action.”