Drunk driver crashes into New York nail salon; New York police officer among 4 dead

Drunk driver crashes into Long Island nail salon, leaves NYPD officer and 3 others dead (HANDOUT)

NEW YORK (PIX11) – Four people died and nine others were injured Friday afternoon after an alleged impaired driver crashed into a nail salon in Deer Park, officials announced Saturday.

Authorities said one of the people killed was Emilia Rennhack, an off-duty New York Police Department officer.

“The loss of Police Officer Emilia Rennhack is a tragedy for the entire New York Police Department,” said DEA Chairman Paul DiGiacomo. “The DEA situation becomes more complicated as we mourn her detective husband. The union will continue to provide the Rennhack family with everything they need at this terrible time.”

Rennhack and her husband married in September 2023. According to authorities, she was at a Long Island beauty salon when an intoxicated driver, 64-year-old Steven Schwally, drove his 2020 Chevrolet Traverse at a high rate of speed.

Schwally reportedly crossed Grand Boulevard and drove through the parking lot at 794 Grand Boulevard, striking his vehicle into the windshield of Hawaii Nail & Spa at 16:32. At the time of the accident, the salon was open and operating.

Renhack was at the company when she was murdered along with two other women and a man at the company. They were pronounced dead at the scene by the Suffolk County Medical Examiner’s Office.

Authorities said nine people were taken to local hospitals, including one flown to Stony Brook University Hospital.

Schwally, who was also taken to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, was later charged with driving under the influence.

Officials say he will likely be arraigned at a later date.