In court Monday, a NYPD detective wept as Suffolk County prosecutors detailed the moment a suspected drunk driver drank 18 beers before killing the detective’s wife and several others.
According to the New York Post, 64-year-old Steven Schwally is accused of killing NYPD Officer Emilia Rennhack and three other victims after plowing his car into the Hawaii Nail and Spa in Long Island Friday night. The other victims have been identified as Meizi Zhang, 50, Yan Xu, 41, Jiancai Chen, 37.
Police said numerous others were injured, including a 12-year-old girl.
During the session Monday at the Suffolk County courthouse, fellow NYPD officers were seen consoling Emilia’s husband, Detective Carl Rennhack. The couple had reportedly just married in September.
“The defendant’s vehicle went through the intersection, went airborne, struck the curb in front of the Hawaii Nail & Spa, navigated through one empty parking spot and slammed through the Hawaiian Nail & Spa’s front window,” Suffolk County prosecutor Alexander Bopp said.
“The defendant admitted to Suffolk County police detectives that he had consumed 18 beers the night before and indicated that he stopped drinking around 3 or 4 a.m.”
CBS News obtained security footage from the incident, which showed the defendant behind the wheel of a 2020 Chevy Traverse, driving in the opposite lane. He then “continued through the intersection” and “went airborne” into the salon.
Police said the defendant’s eyes were glassy and bloodshot, his speech was slurred, and he smelled strongly of alcohol when they detained him.
The footage captured a side view as the vehicle barreled directly into the front of the salon, immediately followed by a burst of dust erupting from within the spa.
Meanwhile, Chen’s family has set up a GoFundMe fundraiser to help out with expenses. While Chen lost his life, his wife, Wen Jun, remains hospitalized in critical condition. The couple had two children, ages 10 and 5.
“It’s insane. You would never expect this to happen. They were like family to us, and it’s just heartbreaking, ’cause you come here to relax, to spoil yourself, to pamper yourself, and this tragedy happens,” customer Patricia Castillo said.
Schwally remains behind bars on a $1 million bond. Check back for updates.
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[Featured image: Emilia Rennhack /NYC PBA]
