Perry Middle School was locked down early Tuesday morning while police searched for two suspects after a stolen vehicle chase, said Capt. Heath Dykes of the Perry Police Department.

Police were pursuing the suspects along southbound interstate 75 after a vehicle was reported stolen from Cordele, and a trailer with lawn equipment was reported stolen from Vienna. The suspects took exit 138, busted through the gate of a utility company and wrecked the vehicle near Perry Middle. Two people ran from the vehicle. No arrests have been made, Dykes said.

It is normal protocol to notify school officials when such an incident occurs near school property, he said.

“It’s close enough to cause concern,” he said.

The school shut down at 6:45 a.m. and reopened at 7:40 a.m. School begins for students at 7:30 a.m., said Beth McLaughlin, spokeswoman for Houston County schools.

“We take every precaution anytime we’re advised to do so,” she said.

To contact writer Jenna Mink, call 256-9751.