Washington woodshop teacher attacked with zip tie around his neck - East Idaho News
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Washington woodshop teacher attacked with zip tie around his neck

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(CNN) — Amid tightened security at a Washington state high school, police are still looking for whoever attacked a woodshop teacher five days ago and placed a zip tie around his neck.

Cal Pygott, 63, was in his classroom at Bothell High School after hours Thursday when he “was struck on the back of the head by a blunt object,” according to Bothell Police. When Pygott regained consciousness, he found a zip tie choking his neck. The teacher managed to leave his classroom and another staff member discovered him, cut off the zip tie and called 911.

“Physically, I’m doing fine … I’m on the mend, I look better than I did on Thursday and Friday,” Pygott told CNN affiliate KCPQ.

Although Pygott’s emotions are still up and down following the brutal attack, “this is not going to turn me into a victim,” he said. “I will be back as soon as possible.”

Bothell Police detectives continue to go through hours of surveillance video and follow up on leads, but there have been no arrests.

“No one has been found and no one knows who it could be,” Bothell High School student Trey Kubalanza told KCPQ.

“It’s definitely scary, traumatic almost,” added student Nick Kostelecky.

Classes were canceled on Friday following the attack. Plainclothed officers and extra security were on campus Monday as students returned from the long weekend.

“We want the community to know Bothell is safe and we would like for our kids to be at school on a regular schedule,” said Leanna Albrecht, communications director of Northshore School District.

“It’s cool to see people are showing their love across the whole district,” said student Mitch Hunt.

As the school year winds down, Bothell High School Principal Bob Stewart is asking for continued vigilance.

“This is a highly unusual incident,” he said in a message posted to Facebook. Stewart urged his students to be “keeping an eye out for one another and reporting any suspicious activities immediately.”

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