DWI Crash Claims Lives of Four, Including NYPD Officer, at Long Island Nail Salon

 An off-duty NYPD officer was among four victims killed in a tragic DWI crash at a Long Island nail salon. Officer Emilia Rennhack, 30, assigned to the 102nd Precinct in Queens, was among those who lost their lives. Emilia's dedication to her community was well-known, and her husband, also a detective in the same precinct, now faces an unimaginable loss.

RELATED:Tragic Incident in Utica: 13-Year-Old Boy Shot by Police

The crash also claimed the lives of Jiancai "Kenny" Chen, 37, of Bayside, Queens; Yan Xu, 41, of Flushing, Queens; and Meizi Zhang, 50, of Flushing, Queens. These individuals were inside Hawaii Nail & Spa in Deer Park when the incident occurred and died at the scene.

Authorities report that Steven Schwally, 64, was driving under the influence when he drove his 2020 Chevy Traverse through the front entrance of the nail salon around 4:30 p.m. on Friday. Witnesses described Schwally speeding through a parking lot, crossing Grand Boulevard, and then crashing into the nail salon, plowing through the store.

Danielle Tanis, a witness, said, "Somebody saw that the man was driving and he came from this parking lot from Kohl's and he was trying to pass somebody, and then they pretty much ran right into the nail salon and you could hear people screaming and yelling."

Nine other individuals were injured in the crash, including Nicole Miele, 54, of Dix Hills; Ana Garcia, 53, of Bay Shore; Wen Jun Cheng, 35, of Bayside, Queens; and Michael Mehale, 58, of Deer Park. They are being treated at local hospitals for serious but non-life-threatening injuries.

Steven Schwally, who resides in Dix Hills, has been charged with driving while intoxicated (DWI), with additional charges pending. This incident has sparked outrage and calls for stricter measures to prevent drunk driving and ensure community safety.