A Pennsylvania man is accused of trying to demolish his own home with an excavator after his wife asked for a divorce.
Eric Pierwsza, 48, allegedly used a Kubota excavator to destroy the rear section of his family home in Buffalo Township on the morning of May 26 while his wife and two daughters were still inside.
Pierwsza’s wife called 911 after he came home from a night of drinking and the couple got into an argument, according to police and media reports. She told police the couple were in the process of separating, and when she told him she was “done” and wanted a divorce, he replied, “If it’s over, I’ll tear the house down.”
He followed through on the threat when he got into the excavator and began destroying the home.
Drone footage from the WPXI-TV News Pittsburgh shows extensive damage to the rear roofline, with siding and brick ripped off and sections of the interior exposed. Pierwsza reportedly owns a landscaping and construction business and used one of his excavators stored on the property during the rampage.
His wife and two children were able to escape the home with no injuries. The total cost of the damage or whether the home is still structurally sound is unknown.
Pierwsza now faces a felony charge of causing a catastrophe, three counts of recklessly endangering another person and a disorderly conduct charge, according to court records.
Pierwsza fled the property before police arrived but later turned himself in to the Buffalo Township Police Department. He is out on bail with his preliminary hearing scheduled for June 9 before District Judge Jack D. Ripper.
