A Pennsylvania man is accused of attempting to demolish his own house following a drunken altercation with his wife, who told him their marriage was over. Eric Pierwsza, 48, was arrested on Tuesday after allegedly using a Kubota excavator to tear down the rear of his home while his wife and two daughters were still inside, according to the criminal complaint obtained by CBS News.
Incident Details
The altercation began when Pierwsza returned home after a night of drinking, and an argument erupted between him and his wife. After she declared their marriage 'done,' Pierwsza allegedly responded, 'If it's over, I'll tear the house down.' Moments later, he reportedly used the excavator to begin dismantling the back of the house. Dramatic images show the home in Sarver had completely caved in after the machine tore at the sides.
According to the complaint, dispatchers heard yelling and the sound of heavy machinery during the wife's phone call to emergency services. Both Pierwsza's wife and their daughters managed to escape the home before sustaining any injuries, police said.
Police and Community Response
Buffalo Township Police Chief Timothy Derringer expressed concern, stating, 'You never know what people are thinking today. It is an unfortunate incident, I will say for all involved and hopefully it is an isolated incident.' Investigators revealed that after damaging the house, Pierwsza retrieved a gym bag and fled toward Fawn Township in a vehicle. He later turned himself in to police that day.
A neighbor, who knows Pierwsza and has hunted with him, expressed shock, describing Pierwsza as an outdoorsman. Another neighbor joked, 'I'd like to know what she said to him because I'll make sure I don't say it.'
Legal Consequences
Pierwsza faces several charges, including causing a catastrophe, reckless endangerment, and disorderly conduct. He was released on bail, and his preliminary hearing is set for June 9. Police noted that his wife planned to file a protection-from-abuse order. Chief Derringer emphasized, 'Domestic violence is a real issue, whether it’s here in this community and in every community.'
