A Pennsylvania man has been charged with multiple offences after allegedly using an excavator to demolish parts of his home while his wife and two daughters were still inside.
Erik Pierwsza, 48, faces three counts of recklessly endangering another person, one count of disorderly conduct, and one count of causing a catastrophe, according to court documents.
The incident occurred in Buffalo Township following an argument between Pierwsza and his wife about the potential end of their marriage. Police said Pierwsza threatened to tear down the house if his wife left him.
Shortly after the confrontation, Pierwsza allegedly climbed into an excavator and used its claw to tear away sections of the house while his family hid inside. His wife called 911, and operators reported hearing screaming and machinery in the background.
Pierwsza eventually stopped the attack, ran inside to grab a duffle bag, and fled to another town, where he was arrested later that day. He is being held at Butler County Prison on $10,000 bond and is due to appear in court on June 9.
Neighbours expressed shock at the allegations, with one describing Pierwsza as an avid outdoorsman. Another neighbour remarked, 'Forty-two years I've been married, but I've never threatened to tear the house down.'
