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Bothell teacher says he faked attack because of debt

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.  

Quick facts about the case timeline: 

  • A shop teacher, Cal Pygott, found bleeding and staggering outside a doorway in May.
  • Police reviewed the surveillance video in attack on Bothell teacher.
  • The investigation lasted for months.
  • Inconsistencies found with teacher's statement. 
  • Police announced mid-August that Pygott admitted he made up the story and intentionally injured himself.
  • He tried to commit suicide and make it look like murder, according to the interview.

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.

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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.

>> WATCH: RAW VIDEO: Bothell teacher talks to KIRO 7 News

After more than 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.

Cox Media Group

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