Bothell High shop teacher released from hospital after attack with zip tie, blunt object

BOTHELL, Wash. - A Washington high school teacher attacked on campus Thursday was hit on the head and had a zip tie around his neck when he was found by another teacher near the school's wood shop.

Police Sgt. Ken Seuberlich said Friday morning that detectives are still searching for clues at Bothell High School, about 12 miles northeast of Seattle, hoping to watch some useful surveillance video and have no suspects.

The 63-year-old teacher has been released from the hospital and the school is closed today while police investigate.

Seuberlich called the attack a rare occurrence in quiet suburb, where he has worked in law enforcement for more than 20 years. At a news conference on campus Friday morning, he would not speculate whether the attacker was a student, staff member or a stranger. He had not heard of any previous threats against the teacher.

Seuberlich commended the teacher who found the man, removed the zip tie and called 911. The attack happened about two hours after school ended for the day.

The teacher has been released from the hospital.


Police Sgt. Cedric Collins says the 63-year-old man was treated at the school and taken to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle with serious injuries.

Authorities locked down the school temporarily to search for a suspect. No arrests were made.

Collins says it's unknown whether a student was involved. It's unclear where exactly the assault took place and what occurred. Northshore School District officials say it happened in an area of campus away from where students were.

District officials say there will be no classes at Bothell High School on Friday while police investigate.