Tragic Long Island Crash Claims Lives of NYPD Officer and Three Others

A devastating crash in Deer Park, Long Island has left the community in mourning as new details emerge about the accused drunk driver responsible for the tragic incident. Steven Schwally, 74, had a prior conviction for drunk driving in 2013 but received only a lenient three-year probation. Additional information about an arrest in 2001 remains undisclosed at this time.

The nail salon, Hawaii Nail & Spa, has become a community memorial as neighbors and strangers gather to pay their respects. The storefront, now boarded up, is adorned with rows of flowers and candles in memory of the victims. Among those killed were off-duty NYPD Police Officer Emilia Rennhack, Jiancai Chen, Yan Xu, and Meizi Zhang. Nine others, including a 12-year-old girl, were injured when Schwally allegedly plowed his SUV into the small shop. Schwally has been charged with drunk driving and is expected to face further charges.

Officer Emilia Rennhack, 30, had been at the salon getting her nails done in preparation for a friend’s wedding that evening. Described as an exceptional cop and an even better person, Rennhack was known for going above and beyond to help both her fellow officers and the community. She graduated from International High School and attended John Jay College of Criminal Justice, where she played soccer for the school’s sports teams. Rennhack joined the NYPD in 2018 and was assigned to the 102nd Precinct in Queens. She married Detective Carl Rennhack in September 2021.

Eyewitnesses reported that Schwally was driving aggressively and yelling from behind the wheel before the crash occurred. The tragedy has prompted heartfelt condolences from NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban and Mayor Eric Adams, a former NYPD captain.

A wake for Officer Emilia Rennhack will be held on Friday at the New Hyde Park Funeral Home, followed by a funeral service on Saturday.