Cal Pygott says he feels better physically, though he still needs time to emotionally recover from the attack after school on Thursday. Police are still trying to identify the assailant.
Cal Pygott, the Bothell High School shop teacher who was attacked after school Thursday, is overwhelmed with support.
Following the incident, which canceled classes Friday and sent the 63-year-old to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, the teacher says he’s fielded numerous messages from the school community, wishing him a speedy recovery.
“I’m feeling well physically, but emotions are still up and down,” Pygott said. “I’m healing as quickly as I can, and hoping to get back into the classroom as quickly as I can.”
Bothell police said during the attack in the school’s wood shop, someone struck Pygott from behind with an unknown object and strung a zip tie around his neck. Detectives continue to review security video and conduct interviews to try to identify the assailant.
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Investigators with the Washington State Patrol crime lab are helping police analyze evidence from in and around the shop, said Sgt. Ken Seuberlich, a Bothell police spokesman. A crew of police officers provided extra surveillance at the high school Monday, when classes resumed.
“We’re just waiting to see where the evidence takes us on this,” he said. “We have no new info on motive.”
Similar to what Pygott’s son said last week, the shop teacher says he is at a “complete loss” and has no idea why someone would hurt him in this way.
The soonest he’ll return to teaching is next week, Pygott said.
“It all depends on the emotional roller coaster,” he said. “I’m taking it easy at home, laying low.”