Michael Brown Michael Brown robbed store before getting shot by Black officer Darren Wilson Mike Brown stole cigars and shoved clerk in photo Ferguson Protest FERGUSON Mo.

Authorities will work to ensure the safety of the police officer who shot and killed an unarmed black teenager in Ferguson, Missouri Governor Jay Nixon said Friday, as police met protestor demands and named the officer.

The officer who shot and killed 18-year-old Michael Brown on Saturday afternoon outside an apartment complex in Ferguson is Darren Wilson, who has served six years on the force with a good record, Ferguson Police Chief Tom Jackson said at a news conference Friday.

Jackson said there had been a report of a robbery in the area just before Wilson encountered Brown walking down the street near an apartment complex.

The deadly interaction was swift: Jackson said Wilson encountered Brown at 12:01 p.m. and had shot him by 12:04 p.m.

Police had held back naming Wilson so far because of fears he could be harmed amid a volatile and sometimes-violent week of angry protests that have followed Brown’s death.

Authorities have said Wilson was placed on paid administrative leave after the shooting.

Nixon told ABC News Friday the officer would be protected against any possible retaliation.

“I think that will be a step on the road to healing here and justice,” Nixon told ABC News..