DESOTO COUNTY, Miss. — During a news conference on Monday night, DeSoto County Sheriff Thomas Tuggle said the county’s law enforcement officers are ready to take on criminals who may flee from Memphis when the National Guard arrives.

“I want to assure every citizen of DeSoto County, that your safety is our top priority,” the sheriff began. “We are fully prepared to protect our community from any criminal activity that attempts to spill across our county line.”

Sheriff Tuggle and police chiefs from cities across the county stood united during Monday’s news conference.

The sheriff said that he’s asked for state prisoners being held in the DeSoto County jail to be moved in order to provide more room in the jail in preparation of a possible influx of arrests.

“We are putting every resource on alert — our deputies are ready, our tow truck operators are prepared. If you come into DeSoto County to commit a crime, you will be arrested, your vehicle will be towed, and you will go to jail. Period.”

He also said he has been in touch with federal authorities about the Memphis National Guard plan and has a good working relationship with law enforcement officers in Shelby County.