A drunk driver who slammed his SUV into a Long Island nail salon at nearly 80 mph, killing four people — including an off-duty NYPD officer — has been sentenced to 25 years to life in prison.

Steven Schwally, 66, was sentenced Wednesday after being convicted last month of four counts of second-degree murder and additional charges stemming from the June 2024 crash at Hawaii Nail & Spa in Deer Park.

Prosecutors said Schwally had consumed 18 beers and Long Island iced teas before getting behind the wheel of his Chevrolet Traverse. He then ran multiple stop signs and sped through a red light before crashing into the crowded salon.

Among those killed was Emilia Rennhack, 30, an off-duty NYPD officer who was at the salon for a manicure ahead of a wedding. Salon owner Jian Chai Chen, 37, and employees Yan Xu, 41, and Mei Zi Zhang, 50, also died.

Nine other people were injured, including a 12-year-old girl who required surgery.

“Steven Schwally drank until his blood alcohol content was more than twice the legal limit,” Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney said. “He chose to get behind the wheel of an SUV, run four stop signs and speed through a red light, crashing his two-ton vehicle into a room full of people.”

The crash occurred on June 28, 2024. Schwally had reportedly left the Commack Motor Inn, where he lived, and went to a liquor store near the salon to purchase more alcohol.

He had previously been charged with DWI in 2013 after falling asleep behind the wheel and striking a mailbox.

When Schwally’s SUV tore through the nail salon, 14 people were inside. Witnesses described the aftermath as resembling an explosion, with shattered glass, debris and furniture scattered throughout the business.

First responders reportedly found Schwally inside the wreckage. Prosecutors said he smelled strongly of alcohol, had bloodshot eyes and was slurring his speech.

The deadly crash devastated four families and left survivors dealing with lasting physical and emotional trauma.

“This was a tragedy that never should have happened,” officials said, emphasizing that Schwally’s decision to drive while heavily intoxicated had catastrophic consequences.

After his conviction, Schwally will now spend decades behind bars for the deaths of four innocent people and the injuries suffered by numerous others.

Source: nypost.com