Reports say that Steven Schwally, the man who is accused of smashing through a nail salon in Deer Park, told police he drank 18 beers the night before the crash. The 64-year-old man who drove a minivan through a Long Island nail salon, killing four people, including an off-duty NYPD officer, was intoxicated at the time, police said Saturday. Schwally was arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated after the deadly crash at the Deer Park Strip Mall on Friday.
Suffolk County Police said he was speeding through the parking lot before he plowed his 2020 Chevy Traverse through the front window of Hawaii Nail & Spa at around 4:30 p.m.
Three women and a man were pronounced dead at the scene, including 30-year-old Emilia Rennhack. She was assigned to the 102nd precinct, where her husband also serves as a detective. Rennhack and her husband Carl were recently married on September 7, 2023.
Others identified as being killed in the crash include Jiancai Chen, 37, of Bayside, Queens; Yan Xu, 41, of Flushing, Queens; and Meizi Zhang, 50, of Flushing, Queens.
On Facebook, the NYC Police Benevolent Association posted pictures of a procession honoring Rennhack.
“With heavy hearts we lined the streets in New Hyde Park today to show respect for our 102 Pct. sister Emilia Rennhack as she continues her journey home,” the post said.
The Det. Brian “Smiles” Simonsen Foundation also posted about Rennhack. Simonsen was a member of the 102nd precinct.
“The Simonsen Foundation is beyond devastated to learn about the tragic passing of Emilia Rennhack,” a post read. “Emilia was assigned to Brian’s 102 PCT and married to 102 Squad Det. Carl Rennhack. The two were just married on September 7, 2023. Both Emilia & Carl were part of our family. You could always see them at our events and they ALWAYS honored Brian. We will forever miss Emilia and we will NEVER forget her.”
Cover photo: Det. Brian “Smiles” Simonsen Foundation Facebook page.
