An off-duty New York City police officer getting her nails done was among the four people killed Friday when an SUV crashed into a Long Island nail salon.
Emilia Renhag was an officer in the 102nd Precinct in Queens. A spokesman for the New York City Police Department confirmed his death on Saturday.
The NYC Police Benevolent Association said it was “heartbroken” over Renhag’s death.
“Please join us in praying for his family, friends and colleagues,” the association said Facebook registration.
Customers and employees were inside Hawaiian Nail & Spa on Grand Boulevard in Deer Park when a Chevy Traverse crashed through the front window, Suffolk County police said.
A witness said NBC New York The SUV plowed into the front of the salon and almost came out through the back of the store. All those killed or injured were inside the saloon at the time, Lt. Kevin Heisenbuttel said.
The driver, Steven Swaley, was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence, police said Saturday. Authorities allege he drove a Chevy Traverse southbound at a high rate of speed through the parking lot as he drove through the parking lot of a nail salon before crossing Grand Boulevard and crashing through a window.
A man and three women, including Renhag, died on the spot. Nine others were injured. Authorities have not identified the other victims.
A witness said the SUV was running through the parking lot across the street before crashing, NBC New York reported. The witness said the driver “appeared to be in a hurry” and was trying to go around another vehicle when it drove into the building.
According to another witness, the car sped off followed by a “smashing” sound Associated Press.
