Bothell shop teacher speaks: Attack ‘not going to turn me into victim'

BOTHELL, Wash. — AUGUST 25, 2016, UPDATE: The teacher's story was fake, police said. Cal Pygott admitted he fabricated the story in an interview with investigators. Follow this link to read the update on Pygott's Bothell teacher attack story.

ORIGINAL TEXT: A Bothell High School teacher spoke to KIRO 7 News for the first time since an attack in which he was hit on the head and had a zip tie placed around his neck.

Cal Pygott, who teaches shop, was injured on campus Thursday. He is recovering from the violent incident while police try to figure out who attacked him.

"This is not going to turn me into a victim, " Pygott said Monday.

Pygott said he is feeling better physically, but is still having ups and downs emotionally.

"I appreciate everyone's wishes and support," said Pygott. "Physically, I'm doing fine. I'm on the mend. I look better than I did on Friday. Emotions are still up and down."

Pygott said he will return to Bothell High School. He and his wife both graduated from the school, so did their children. “I will be back as soon as possible.”

Students were back at school Monday wearing “Bothell Blue” to support the teacher. Inside the cafeteria students signed banners for Pygott.

Extra police were on patrol when students arrived on campus.

Here's what we know now about the attack:

Police say on Thursday someone attacked the popular shop teacher from behind in his classroom and strapped a zip tie around his neck.

His son told KIRO 7 that another teacher found his father and called 911.

All weekend long, police say they have been looking through evidence and Monday their focus turned to the hours of surveillance footage from security cameras on campus.

So far, police have no suspect.

Both neighbors and students said they still can't believe what happened.

"I really feel it has to be somebody who really knew him -- that it wasn't a random thing. What was going through their head when they (attacked him)? Because you know grades are stressful and everything, but I wouldn't think that would push someone to do something that big," neighbor Dick Helgeland said.

Counselors were on hand for students and staff on campus Monday.

Cox Media Group