Authorities in the municipality of Buffalo, Pennsylvania, reported the arrest of Eric Pierwsza, 48, after an incident that occurred on Tuesday that ended with the partial destruction of his home in Sarver.

According to the police report obtained by CBS News, the man returned home after a night of drinking alcohol when an argument broke out with his wife. In the middle of the altercation, the woman told him that her marriage was “over.”

According to the testimony collected by the police, Pierwsza responded with a direct threat: “If it's over, I will demolish the house.”

Demolition with excavator while the family was inside

Minutes after the argument, the defendant allegedly used a Kubota excavator to begin demolishing the back of the home, while his wife and two daughters remained inside.

Images of the event show the collapse of the structure after the impact of heavy machinery, which ended up destroying a large part of the house.

During the emergency call made by the wife, the operators would have heard screams and the constant noise of the excavator, according to the police report.

The authorities confirmed that the wife and two minors managed to leave the house before being injured.

After the incident, the man reportedly re-entered the home to pick up a gym bag before fleeing toward Fawn Township. Subsequently, he abandoned the vehicle used and was located by the police through telephone contact, turning himself in that same day.

Charges and ongoing judicial process

Eric Pierwsza faces charges of causing a catastrophe, recklessly endangering the lives of others and disorderly conduct.

Buffalo Township Police Chief Timothy Derringer called the incident an alarming episode and underscored the seriousness of domestic violence in the community.

According to the police report, the defendant's wife plans to file for a domestic violence protection order.

The defendant was released on bail and his preliminary hearing was set for June 9.