A Pennsylvania man is facing charges after police say he tried to demolish his own house with his wife and two daughters still inside.
Erik Pierwsza, 48, of Buffalo Township, is accused of using an excavator to tear down part of the family home on Tuesday, May 26, after his wife allegedly told him she wanted a divorce.
According to investigators, the terrifying incident began early Tuesday morning after Pierwsza came home following a night of drinking.
His wife told police the couple started arguing. When she told him she was “done” with the marriage, Pierwsza allegedly fired back with a chilling threat.
“If it’s over, I’ll tear the house down,” he allegedly said, according to reports citing the criminal complaint.
Police say he wasted no time.
Within minutes, Pierwsza allegedly climbed into an excavator and began ripping into the house while his wife and two daughters were still inside.
The woman and children were not physically hurt, but authorities said the damage was serious enough to affect the home’s structural integrity.
Pierwsza later turned himself in and was arrested, according to local reports.
Court records show he has been charged with causing catastrophe, disorderly conduct and three counts of recklessly endangering another person.
He is being held on $10,000 bail.
Online court records did not list plea or attorney information.
What started as a divorce argument allegedly turned into a shocking scene of destruction, with police saying a husband used heavy machinery to tear apart the family home while his wife and children were still inside.
If you are experiencing domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or visit thehotline.org. The hotline is free, confidential and available 24/7.
