A Pennsylvania man is accused of destroying his house with an excavator while his family was inside following an argument with his wife.
Incident Details
On Monday morning, 48-year-old Erik Pierwsza returned to his home on Martin Road in Buffalo Township, northwest of Pittsburgh, after drinking. An argument with his wife escalated after she said she wanted a divorce. Pierwsza allegedly said, “If it’s over, I’ll tear the house down,” and then got into an excavator to begin demolishing the home.
Family in Danger
Family members were inside the house during the incident. Drone footage showed parts of the roof torn off and the excavator near the rubble.
Arrest and Charges
Pierwsza drove away but later turned himself in to police. He was charged with causing catastrophe, three counts of recklessly endangering another person, and disorderly conduct. He was held on a $10,000 bond and has since been released.
Court Date
Pierwsza was arraigned on Tuesday and is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on June 9.
