South Salem Elementary and Liberty Middle School were both briefly on lockdown Tuesday as police chased two burglary suspects on car and foot, leading to an arrest behind one of the schools.

Deputies from the Newton County Sheriff's Office responded to a call this morning about a burglary in progress on Allen Oakes road, within a mile of both schools, Sergeant Cortney Morrison told The News.

The caller was able to provide a vehicle description, which police used to set up a perimeter and intercept the vehicle.
At this point the vehicle sped off, and officers pursued. When the vehicle crashed at 110 Mills Drive, two suspects fled on foot with police in pursuit.

One of the suspects was apprehended behind one of the schools. Authorities are still looking for the second.
The lockdown was lifted shortly after noon.

The suspect in custody was identified as 22-year-old James William Senter of Covington. He was charged with burglary, obstruction and hindering law enforcement.