Bothell teacher fabricated story of being attacked, zip-tied
A Bothell High School teacher has admitted to police that he made up his report of being attacked on campus earlier this year.
The Bothell Police Department and city made the announcement Thursday afternoon in a news conference.
TRANSCRIPT
Woodshop teacher Calvin Pygott told police in May he was working in the shop when he was struck in the head from behind, went unconscious, and woke up with a zip-tie around his neck. The police department says Pygott has since admitted he intentionally hurt himself and made up the story.
The Northshore School District's Superintendent, Dr. Michelle Reid, says Pygott's actions have already caused huge consequences.
Reid: "Staff went through a really difficult and emotionally wrenching spring with this incident. I will say that we are grateful that the issue has been resolved and that the truth has been acknowledged. We think that's very important. And we want to ensure the community that we will continue to have safe and secure schools."
Reid says the district placed Pygott on paid administrative leave Thursday morning, pending charging decisions by prosecutors.
The Bothell Police Department says Pygott's initial story had inconsistencies, which led them to administer a polygraph test.
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Paige Browning
Newscaster
Paige hosts midday newscasts and monitors news of significance to the Puget Sound region. She hopped over Washington’s mountains to join KUOW, after hosting news and reporting at Spokane Public Radio since 2011. She began her start in radio while a journalism student at University of Montana, by sharing stories with KUFM. Paige was raised in the mountains and rivers around Spokane. In her spare time she cheers on the Mariners in the summer, and hopes for snow in the winter.
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