An allegedly drunken driver crashed his minivan into a nail salon in Long Island, killing four people, including a newly-wed NYPD officer. This tragic incident took place on Friday and has left officials and sources devastated.
As Emilia Rennhack, a 30-year-old police officer, was on her way to attend the wedding of a fellow officer, she decided to stop at the salon to get her nails done. Little did she know that her day would take a drastic turn when Steven Schwally from Dix Hills crashed his car into the storefront, leaving several people trapped inside.
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According to a source, Schwally was driving aggressively and shouting at people from his car before the crash.
Officials have confirmed that one of the victims injured in the incident was a 12-year-old girl. The identities of the individuals involved have not been disclosed to the public.
In addition, there were nine individuals who sustained injuries.
In September, Det. Carl Rennhack tied the knot with Rennhack, a six-year veteran of the NYPD. The lovely bride was none other than Rennhack herself, who donned her wedding gown on her special day.
According to a source, they crossed paths while working together.
According to a police source, the husband is in a distressing state following the loss of his beloved wife. The source revealed that the husband considered his wife as his entire world, and her absence has left him shattered.
The LI salon, where a drunk driver killed an NYPD officer and three others, has been transformed into a community memorial.
The social media is flooded with photos of Rennhack dressed in a stunning white bridal gown and veil, radiating with joy as her groom holds her close.
Emilia’s death left the mother-in-law of the officer devastated and in tears.
In an interview with The Post, Holy Rennhack spoke fondly of her daughter-in-law, describing her as a truly wonderful woman.
She exuded beauty both inside and out. Her kindness and compassion knew no bounds, making her a truly exceptional human being. She was one of a kind, truly special in every way.
She expressed her deep attachment with her, stating that they had a very close relationship. Furthermore, she shared that her son is currently going through a difficult time and is extremely upset.
As the camera panned across the salon, the extent of the damage caused by the crash became clear. Shards of glass were scattered across the floor, and the ceiling had caved in, leaving debris strewn across the room. Pedicure chairs that were once neatly arranged were now overturned and displaced. The video captured the chaos and destruction wrought by the tragic accident.
Describing Rennhack’s death as a “tragic loss,” the Police Benevolent Association took to Facebook to express their condolences.
The PBA requested everyone to come together and pray for the family, friends, and colleagues of the deceased.
The Det. Simonsen Foundation, which came into existence after the tragic shooting of NYPD Det. Brian Simonsen at a phone store in Queens, shared Rennhawk’s demise on their website. In their post, they expressed their sorrow and mentioned that the couple was an integral part of their family.
In a heart-wrenching post, the Simonsen Foundation expressed their profound grief upon learning about Emilia Rennhack’s tragic passing. Their post reads, “The Simonsen Foundation is beyond devastated to learn about the tragic passing of Emilia Rennhack.”
“At our events, they were always a constant presence, and they held Brian in high regard. The loss of Emilia is deeply felt, and we will always remember her. Carl, we want you to know that we love you unconditionally and will always be here for you.”
Officials stated that Schwally, who was apprehended and is currently facing charges of driving under the influence, is presently receiving medical attention at Good Samaritan Hospital and remains hospitalized as of Saturday. It is anticipated that charges will be elevated in the near future.
Various hospitals received seven women, one man, and a girl following the incident. At least two individuals sustained severe injuries.
One of Schwally’s acquaintances, who had not seen him for more than ten years, had a heartfelt message for the victims.
Rosemary Pelle expressed her deep regret and condemnation towards the driver, stating that she is ashamed and disgusted by their actions. She extended her heartfelt sympathies to the victims and their families and offered her thoughts and prayers to them. While denying any relation to the accused, Pelle conveyed her sincere apologies to those affected by this tragic incident.
According to the Suffolk County Police, Schwally was driving at a high speed in the parking lot of a strip mall in Deer Park. At around 4:30 p.m. on Grand Boulevard, he crashed his 2020 Chevy Traverse through the front window of Hawaii Nail & Spa.
According to sources and a report, it has been revealed that Schwally has had a prior DWI incident. In April 2014, Schwally pleaded guilty to driving under the influence and had his license suspended, as reported by Newsday.
According to Schwally’s brother, Edward, his sibling had multiple previous DUIs.
In 2010 or 2011, he drove his brother to probation in Hauppauge, Long Island, as his brother had refused to take a Breathalyzer test. The memory of that incident was still vivid in his mind.
The brother expressed to The Post that the fatal crash was like his worst nightmare coming true.
“My heart aches at the thought of innocent people being harmed,” expressed with remorse.
According to him, his brother had a tendency to speak ill of others.
“He had his moments of being vicious,” he stated. “Although I sympathize with him for the unfortunate outcome, there isn’t much I can do to help. The matter is no longer in anyone’s control, but in the hands of the court. There is no chance of him being released any time soon. It’s a done deal. He will remain behind bars.”
Back in the day, David Caburis, 41, from Whitestone, Queens, used to spend time with Schwally. However, he had no idea that his old friend was arrested for the fatal DWI accident.
Caburis described him as an ordinary individual.
“He was never known to drink and drive,” is what people would say about him.
Bobby, the manager of a deli located close to the Stop & Shop, shared that he personally heard a woman shouting at the driver as she was almost hit in the parking area.
The nail salon was hit by the car just ten seconds later, as it slammed into the building.
According to the manager, “He flew.”
Larry Celona and Claire Samstag contributed to this report.
