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Police: Bothell High School teacher faked 'violent attack'

A Bothell High School teacher thought to be a victim of a violent attack admitted to police that he staged the crime scene on campus.

Key developments: 

  • 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. 
  • Pygott admitted he made up the story and intentionally injured himself.

In May, a teacher found Pygott bleeding with a zip tie placed around his neck. A note nearby read, "This man is not god."

Bothell police locked down the school and opened an investigation, that kept turning up inconsistencies with Pygott's statement. Pygott admitted he made up the story and intentionally injured himself.

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Pygott did provide reason for making up crime but police will not elaborate.

Here is what KIRO 7 News reported about the attack in May:

Police said in May that 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 after the attack, police had been looking through evidence, and the following Monday their focus turned to the hours of surveillance footage from security cameras on campus.

As of May, police had no suspect.

Bothell shop teacher talked to KIRO 7 News saying attack ‘not going to turn me into victim'

Pygott talked to KIRO 7 News on camera just days after the incident.

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

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

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

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

During the news conference on Thursday, the school district announced Pygott is on administrative leave.

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