TWO BROOKLYN ELEMENTARY STUDENTS ARRESTED FOR PUTTING RAT POISON IN TEACHER'S WATER BOTTLE

Two Brooklyn elementary school students were arrested on Tuesday on suspicion of putting rat poison in a teacher’s water bottle, the police said.

The children, who are 9 and 12 and attend Public School 315 on Glenwood Road in Flatbush, were charged with reckless endangerment and assault. The teacher, who drank from the poisoned water bottle, is recovering, officials said.

The incident occurred on Monday and was brought to light by a parent whose child had reported witnessing other students putting something in the teacher’s drink, according to the police.

The mother called the school and reported the episode. By that time, however, the teacher had already ingested the tainted water. After being alerted, the teacher took the water bottle to the principal’s office and went to see a private doctor, reporting mild nausea.

William. J. Bratton, the police commissioner, said that a “small amount” of rat poisoning had been placed into the water bottle by the children. “My understanding is the 9-year-old wanted to see what the reaction would be,” Mr. Bratton said. “God knows where kids get these ideas.”

Devora Kaye, an Education Department spokeswoman, said the teacher was recovering. “Ensuring the safety of our entire school community is our priority, and while this matter is still under investigation, we will take swift and appropriate action,” Ms. Kaye said in statement.