CATSKILL – Three students at Catskill Middle School have been arrested on arson and other charges for allegedly placing lithium household batteries in a toilet in the school causing a chemical reaction damaging the toilet and releasing toxic fumes.
The Greene County Sheriff’s Office, Catskill Village Police and Catskill Fire Department were called to the school on Tuesday, March 7 for a report of smoke in a bathroom.
Investigation found students had dumped batteries in the toilet causing the fumes.
The sheriff’s office arrested three juveniles – a 13-year-old and two 12-year-olds, all of whom were issued family court appearance tickets on charges of arson, criminal mischief, conspiracy, reckless endangerment and unlawful possession of a noxious material.
They were all released to the custody of their parents.
The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information is asked to call the sheriff’s office at 518-943-3300 or Catskill Village Police at 518-943-2244.
