A Buffalo Township man is accused of tearing down part of his home using an excavator while his wife and two daughters were inside, according to township police.

Erik A. Pierwsza, 48, was charged Tuesday, May 26, with felony causing catastrophe, three misdemeanor counts of reckless endangerment and misdemeanor disorderly conduct following an incident Tuesday.

Police said dispatchers could hear yelling and the sound of an excavator in the background when Pierwsza’s wife called 911 from the Martin Road residence. She told police Pierwsza had come home from a night of drinking, and the two got into an argument that ended with him saying “if it’s over, I’ll tear the house down,” police said.

Police said Pierwsza then got into his Kubota excavator and began tearing down the back of the house while his wife and two daughters were inside. Police said Pierwsza caused major damage and possibly compromised the house’s structural integrity.

Before police arrived, Pierwsza took a gym bag and left the home, headed toward Fawn Township in Allegheny County.

Court records show Pierwsza’s wife was granted a temporary protection from abuse order against him the day of the incident.

Pierwsza is being held in Butler County Prison on $10,000 bail. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for 1 p.m. June 9 before District Judge Jack Ripper.