By Michael V. Cusenza
The 102nd Precinct family is in mourning after one of their own was killed on Friday, her day off, in a wild crash in Suffolk County that also claimed the lives of three others and injured nine more.
Police Officer Emilia Rennhack, 30, died when Steven Schwally allegedly drove his SUV at a high rate of speed off Grand Boulevard and into the front window of Hawaii Nail & Spa in Deer Park, according to Suffolk County Police.
Schwally, 64, allegedly downed 18 beers the night before the 4:30 p.m. incident, prosecutors said on Monday, according to a News 12 Long Island report. He pleaded not guilty to driving while intoxicated charges and was held on $1 million cash bail or $2 million bond.
Photo Courtesy of Hawaii Nail & Spa
Rennhack and three Queens residents were killed when an SUV blasted through the front section of a Deer Park, L.I. nail salon.
Yan Xu, 41, and Meizi Zhang, 50, both of Flushing, and Jiancai Chen, 37, a Bayside resident, also perished in Friday afternoon’s crash.
According to published reports, Rennhack was married to 102nd Precinct Det. Carl Rennhack. They lived in Deer Park.
“Our hearts are heavy as we mourn the loss of Police Officer Emilia Rennhack, whose life was taken far too soon,” City Police Commissioner Edward Caban said. “We offer our support to Emilia’s family, friends, and co-workers during this incredibly difficult time. Please keep our officer and her loved ones in your thoughts and prayers.”
