DEER PARK, New York — A man driving an SUV was drunk and speeding when he crashed into a Long Island nail salonkilling an off-duty New York City police officer and three others, police said Saturday.
Suffolk County police arrested Steven Schwally, of Dix Hills, and charged him with drunken driving after the Deer Park crash.
The four victims killed in the crash have been identified as Meizi Zhang, 50, Yan Xu, 41, Jiancai Chen, 37, and Emilia Rennhack, 30, an off-duty New York City police officer who lived in Deer Park.
Nine other people, including a 12-year-old girl, were injured and rushed to local hospitals. One person had to be evacuated by plane.
Police said Schwally was among those hospitalized. His injuries were not life-threatening. Police said he would be arraigned at a later date.
Witnesses saw the SUV swerve before the crash
Hawaii Nail and Spa on Grand Boulevard was busy with customers around 4:30 p.m. Friday when Schwally allegedly crashed his black Chevrolet Traverse into the storefront, killing four people and injuring eight others. Schwally also suffered minor injuries in the crash.
Witnesses reported seeing the vehicle swerve as it left the Kohl’s parking lot across from the salon.
“It was just the most horrific, traumatic, life-changing thing I’ve ever seen in my life… I couldn’t sleep at all last night,” a witness named Hahn told CBS New York’s Kristie Keleshian on Saturday.
Hahn was at a nearby light when she said she saw the driver speed past her.
“And I thought, ‘This guy is running a red light.’ I had no idea what I was going to see, but I saw him cross Grand Boulevard and walk right into the living room,” Hahn said.
Firefighters say the vehicle went through the entire building, remaining stuck in the back of the salon for hours after the crash.
Deer Park community mourns victims killed in nail salon accident
The storefront was closed Saturday. Family members of employees gathered items left behind as longtime customers tried to console their heartbroken loved ones.
John Vassallo told CBS New York he has been coming to Hawaii Nail and Spa since it opened about 15 years ago.
“This nail salon is a must-see here,” Vassallo said.
Customers describe the salon as having a lively and welcoming atmosphere.
“They treated you like family. They didn’t treat you like a dollar more,” one customer said.
“They’re great people. They’re so family oriented. It’s unbelievable. It’s sad and it’s a huge loss,” said Deer Park resident Mike McClorey.
Longtime customers say the man who died was the store manager, known as Kenny. His wife also works at the salon.
New York City officials posted tributes to Rennhack on social media Saturday.
New York Police Commissioner Edward Caban wrote: “Our hearts are heavy as we mourn the loss of Officer Emilia Rennhack, whose life was taken far too soon. We offer our support to Emilia’s family, friends and colleagues during this incredibly difficult time. Please keep our officer and his loved ones in your thoughts and prayers.”
Mayor Eric Adams wrote in part: “It is never easy to learn that we have lost one of our dedicated public servants, no matter the circumstances.
On Saturday evening, banners were seen outside the 102nd Precinct, where Rennhack worked, and the American flag was at half-staff.
News Source : www.cbsnews.com
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