Deer Park, NY — when someone behind the wheel of an SUV was drunk and speeding Hit the Long Island AnchorageAn off-duty New York City Police Department officer and three other people were killed, police said Saturday.
Suffolk County police arrested Steven Swaley of Dix Hills and charged him with DWI after a crash in Deer Park.
The four victims of the crash have been identified as Meizi Zhang, 50, Yan Xu, 41, Jiancai Chen, 37, and Emilia Rennhack, 30, an off-duty NYPD officer. Lived in Deer Park.
Nine people, including a 12-year-old girl, were injured and admitted to local hospitals. One had to be airlifted.
Police say Swali was among those hospitalized. He sustained life-threatening injuries. He will be questioned later, police said.
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 Swaley allegedly crashed his black Chevy Traverse into the front of the store, killing four people and injuring eight others. Swali also sustained minor injuries in the accident.
Witnesses reported seeing the vehicle move as it pulled out of Cole’s parking lot across from the salon.
“It’s the most horrible, shocking, upsetting thing I’ve ever seen in my life … I couldn’t sleep last night,” Hahn, a witness, 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.
“I thought, ‘This guy is throwing a light bulb.'” “I didn’t know what I was going to see, but I saw him cross Grand Boulevard and come into the salon,” Hahn said.
Fire officials say the vehicle traveled through the building and was stuck behind the salon for several hours after the crash.
The Deer Park community mourns the victims of the nail salon accident
The storefront went up on Saturday. As longtime customers tried to comfort heartbroken loved ones, family members of employees collected items left behind.
John Vassallo said he has been coming to CBS New York since Hawaii Nail and Spa opened 15 years ago.
“It’s a staple here, this nail salon,” Vassallo said.
Customers describe the salon as having an upbeat, welcoming atmosphere.
“They treat you like family. They don’t treat you like another dollar,” said one customer.
“They’re great people. They’re very family oriented. It’s unbelievable. It’s sad, and it’s a big, big loss,” said Deer Park resident Mike McClory.
Longtime customers say the deceased was a store manager known as Kenny. His wife also works in the salon.
New York City officials paid tribute to Renhag on social media Saturday.
NYPD Commissioner Edward Capan wrote, “We mourn the loss of Police Officer Emilia Renhag. We extend 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, “We can’t say we’ve lost one of our own dedicated public servants — no matter the circumstances.”
On Saturday night, bunting was seen outside the 102nd Precinct where Renhag worked, and the American flag was at half-staff.
