Brooklyn students accused of poisoning teacher

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Wednesday, May 21, 2014
Brooklyn teacher poisoned by two young students
Stacey Sager reports on the two young students, ages 9 and 12 accused of putting rat poison into a teacher's water bottle at a Flatbush school.

BROOKLYN (WABC) -- Two public school students in Brooklyn are facing charges after police say they tried to poison a teacher.

The students, ages 9 and 12, attend PS 315 on Glenwood Road in Flatbush.

According to authorities, the two suspects gained possession of the teacher's water bottle and inserted rat poison, which she drank.

The teacher went to the doctor on Tuesday and was treated for symptoms of being poisoned.

Another student notified one of his or her parents what had happened at the school, and that parent notified school authorities, who investigated.

The two students were subsequently placed under arrest.

It is unclear if the children were students in the teacher's class.

They are charged with attempted assault, reckless endangerment and criminal possession of a weapon (rat poison pellets).

The Department of Education released the following statement: "We are greatly relieved that the teacher is recovering and we continue to closely monitor this situation. Ensuring the safety of our entire schools community is our priority, and while this matter is still under investigation, we will take swift and appropriate action."