‘If it’s over, I’ll tear the house down’: Pennsylvania man accused of using excavator to tear into home with family inside
BUFFALO TOWNSHIP, Pa. —
A Pennsylvania man faces felony charges after allegedly using a backhoe to damage his home while his wife and daughters were inside, following a domestic dispute.
Erik Pierwsza, 48, appeared before a judge today, where the Butler County District Attorney’s office downgraded his most serious charge from causing catastrophe, a second-degree felony, to risking catastrophe, a third-degree felony.
All other charges, including multiple counts of recklessly endangering another person and disorderly conduct, were held for court.
“They could have charged him with potentially other criminal offenses. And they agreed not to do that,” Pawk said.
Pierwsza left court quickly and quietly.
“You know, my client wants to move on. He wants to get this resolved in the courts eventually and possibly reunite with his kids,” Pawk said.
According to the criminal complaint, Pierwsza’s wife, whom he is in the middle of separating from, called 911 two weeks ago after he allegedly became angry when she told him their marriage was over.
The complaint states that Pierwsza responded, “If it’s over, I’ll tear the house down.”
Moments later, he allegedly powered up his excavator and began tearing up the backside of the home.
“This was a domestic matter, an ongoing divorce situation. He built the house himself. You know, the marriage is over, and he took the backhoe to the — he allegedly took a backhoe to the back porch and didn’t cause any other structural damage,” Pawk said.
The complaint also alleges that Pierwsza’s wife and two daughters were inside the home during the incident. When asked about this detail, Pawk said, “My understanding is they say they were. Certainly could’ve walked out the front door at any time.”
Pierwsza is scheduled to be formally arraigned in late July.