MYNORTHWEST NEWS

Bothell teacher says he faked attack because of debt

Sep 1, 2016, 5:42 AM | Updated: 9:56 am

A Bothell High School teacher told police he faked a violent attack because he was under a mountain of debt.

KIRO 7 News obtained a recording of the interview between Cal Pygott and police, nearly a week after leaders announced the teacher made the story up.

Son of beaten Bothell teacher says his father is emotionally shaken

In May, a teacher found Pygott bleeding with a zip tie around his neck. A note nearby read, “This man is not god.”

Bothell police locked down the school and opened an investigation, which kept turning up inconsistencies in Pygott’s statement.

According to the recorded interview obtained by KIRO 7 News, Pygott thought he was going to Bothell Police Department to go over timeline details. He was asked to take a polygraph during his visit.

After more than an hour of back-and-forth with police, Pygott finally admitted he tied the zip tie around his neck and hurt himself with a hammer. Pygott said he did it because he was in debt.

Prosecutors are considering whether to charge Pygott.

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Bothell teacher says he faked attack because of debt