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.

MyNorthwest News

Two separate shootings in Seattle's Belltown neighborhood left two people dead and three others inj...

Tom Brock

Belltown violence: 2 separate shootings leave 2 dead, 3 injured early Sunday morning

Two separate shootings in Seattle's Belltown neighborhood overnight left two people dead and three others injured.

16 minutes ago

terriers everett animal shelter...

Nia Bliss, KIRO 7 News

42 West Highland Terriers Rescued from Trailer are now at Everett Animal Shelter

After 42 West Highland Terriers were rescued from a trailer on Monday, we know some of them are being cared for at the Everett Animal Shelter.

2 hours ago

stolen mercedes ballard...

KIRO 7 News Staff

Two arrested after stolen Mercedes found in Ballard

Seattle police arrested two people after spotting a stolen Mercedes in Ballard and later finding its occupants on foot nearby.

2 hours ago

shooting bullets south seattle neighborhood...

Brandon Thompson, KIRO 7 News

For this South Seattle Neighborhood, it’s not the first time their homes have been hit by bullets

A South Seattle neighborhood is once again dealing with the aftermath of gunfire after a shootout left multiple homes and vehicles damaged Tuesday night.

1 day ago

tulalip tribes sonics...

Ranji Sinha, KIRO 7 News

Tulalip Tribes in talks to bid for Sonics return to Washington

The Tulalip Tribes confirmed it’s in discussions about joining a bid to bring the Sonics back to Washington, but with a stadium potentially in Marysville.

1 day ago

federal way...

MyNorthwest Staff

‘You knew what you were selling’: Federal Way man sentenced to 9 years in fentanyl conspiracy

A 22-year-old Federal Way man was sentenced Thursday to nine years in prison for his role in a conspiracy to distribute mass amounts of fentanyl.

2 days ago

Bothell teacher says he faked attack because of debt