The sheriff of Autauga County on Thursday announced he was evacuating the county jail.

“I have a moral obligation for the safety, health and security of all individuals who come through the doors of the Autauga County Metro Jail, whether it’s my staff, Law Enforcement Officers or inmates,” Sheriff Mark Harrell wrote in a statement posted on the sheriff’s office’s Facebook page.

AL.com reached out to the sheriff’s office for more information and was directed to the county commission.

Efforts to reach a commission official for comment were not immediately successful.

“It will be up to the County Commission to properly and adequately fix the issues to prevent health and safety issues before I … will place another individual in the jail,” Harrell wrote.

The statement does not state what exact issues the sheriff believes threatens the health and safety of those in the jail.

“We have worked out the logistics with several agencies to house inmates. We have made arrangements to process individuals quickly and house them in a safe environment,” the statement continued.

“I am aware of the ramifications of this decision but it is my obligation … Further information on when these issues will be resolved need to be addressed to the Autauga County Commission.”

This is a developing story and will be updated.