An off-duty NYPD officer was one of the four individuals who lost their lives when a drunk driver crashed into a nail salon on Long Island on Friday evening, as confirmed by multiple police officials to News 4.
The driver of a speeding minivan, who caused the tragic incident by crashing into the salon and resulting in four fatalities and at least nine injuries, was arrested for driving under the influence.
Following the crash on Grand Boulevard in Deer Park, Steven Schwally was taken into custody. Suffolk County officials reported that the 64-year-old driver was speeding when he collided with the Hawaii Nail & Spa around 4:30 p.m. The minivan crashed through the front of the salon and almost made it out the other side due to its high speed, according to a fire official.
Deer Park Assistant Fire Chief Dominic Albanese stated that four individuals were pronounced dead at the scene, with three being women and one being a man, as confirmed by the police. One of the victims was identified as Officer Emilia Rennhack of the NYPD.
Nine others sustained injuries, some of which were severe, with one individual being airlifted to a nearby hospital. Albanese mentioned that the driver was also taken to the hospital, while others were trapped inside the salon and had to be rescued before being transported to medical facilities.
Witnesses reported that the vehicle sped through a parking lot across the street, appearing to be in a hurry to leave. The driver then maneuvered around a stopped car at a traffic light and, while attempting to turn onto Grand Boulevard, crashed into the salon.
It remains unclear whether the crash was intentional or not, as well as the number of occupants in the vehicle at the time. The ages of the victims were not immediately disclosed, and Albanese could not confirm if children were among those affected.
Approximately 150 firefighters and EMS personnel responded to the tragic incident.
