http://www.ci.bothell.wa.us/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=84Investigation update on Bothell High School teacher assault
On Thursday, May 19th at 4:18 pm, Bothell High School teacher Calvin Pygott reported he was assaulted in the school. During the initial investigation and subsequent statements, Mr. Pygott said he had been working in the woodshop when he was struck from behind in the head by an unknown assailant. He said this caused him to lose consciousness. He awoke on the ground in a pool of blood. He discovered a zip tie placed tightly around his neck, constricting his airway. Mr. Pygott said he tried to cut off the zip tie, but was unsuccessful. He staggered out a door where he was discovered by another teacher who was able to remove the zip tie and call for help. Mr. Pygott was taken to the hospital for medical treatment. He did not sustain serious injuries.
An extensive investigation was initiated. The school was placed on lock down and many patrol officers and a police canine unit attempted to locate the suspect, who was not located. The Washington State Patrol Crime Response Team worked closely with Bothell detectives to process the scene. Many items were taken into evidence, including a hammer, the zip tie, blood and a piece of butcher paper with the words “This Man is Not God” written.
Many hours of school video were reviewed, but no suspect was seen. Teams of detectives interviewed people who were in the area, as well as former students and other persons of interest. Evidence from the scene was submitted to the Washington State Crime Laboratory and the King County Regional Automated Fingerprint Identification system.
Throughout the investigation, inconsistencies were apparent between Mr. Pygott’s statements and the evidence observed and collected. Bothell detectives received their last evidence results from the Washington State Laboratory on August 17th.
Mr. Pygott was offered the opportunity to provide another statement, and yesterday he met with Bothell detectives. During the interview, he provided details consistent with his previous statements. Mr. Pygott was offered the opportunity to participate in a polygraph examination, to which he agreed. The results of the examination indicated that Mr. Pygott was being deceptive.
When the detectives provided Mr. Pygott with the results of the polygraph examination as well as the numerous inconsistencies, Mr. Pygott admitted he had made up the story. He said he had intentionally injured himself, placed the zip tie around his own neck, and staged the crime scene.
When the investigation is completed, it will be presented to the Bothell Prosecutor’s Office for consideration of criminal charges.
This will conclude this extensive investigation and case. We would like to thank the citizens of Bothell, Students, Parents, Teachers, and Northshore School District Administration for their patience, assistance, and overall cooperation throughout this investigation.
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