NEW YORK — The drunk driver who killed four people and injured nine more when he crashed his SUV into a Long Island nail salon was driving 78 mph (125 kph) at the time of the crash, prosecutors said Thursday as the driver pleaded not guilty to a multitude of charges that include murder and vehicular manslaughter.
Steven Schwally, 64, entered the pleas to a 38-count indictment for the deadly June 28 crash at the Hawaii Nail & Spa store in Deer Park.
The Legal Aid Society of Suffolk County, which is representing Schwally, had no comment on the charges.
Schwally had earlier been charged with driving while intoxicated for the crash that killed an off-duty New York Police Department officer and three other people.
Newsday reported that several people who were injured in the crash were in court Thursday when Schwally was indicted on the new charges. State Supreme Court Justice Richard Ambro remanded Schwally to jail without bail.
Prosecutors said in court papers that Schwally purchased two 375-milliliter bottles of Montebello Long Island Iced Tea at 11 a.m. on the day of the crash.
The cashier who sold him the 42-proof beverage told investigators that Schwally, a retiree who previously worked for a private security firm, was a regular at the liquor store and always made the same purchase of Montebello Long Island Iced Tea, paying $13.99 for two bottles.
After his purchase, Schwally drove around Deer Park until about 4:30 p.m. when he plowed his Chevrolet Traverse into the front of the nail salon, dragging four people under the vehicle and finally crashing into the back of the store, prosecutors said. Investigators determined that he was driving 78 mph (125 kph) one second before the crash, prosecutors said.
Prosecutors said previously that Schwally had a blood alcohol content of 0.17, more than twice the legal limit of 0.08, at the time of his arrest.
Schwally “displayed a total disregard for public safety and a depraved indifference to human life,” Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney said, adding, “The defendant had been drinking all day, we allege.”
A Legal Aid attorney described Schwally at his earlier arraignment as a Marine veteran who had lived in Suffolk County for 50 years. Prosecutors said Schwally had no regular address and had been living in hotels for more than a year.
Prosecutors have revealed that a drunk driver was traveling at a staggering 78 mph when he crashed his vehicle into a nail salon, resulting in the tragic deaths of four individuals. The incident, which took place in a quiet suburban neighborhood, has sent shockwaves through the community and raised important questions about the dangers of driving under the influence.
According to authorities, the driver, whose name has not been released, had a blood alcohol level well above the legal limit at the time of the crash. He reportedly lost control of his vehicle while speeding down the road, ultimately plowing into the nail salon where several people were inside. The force of the impact was so severe that the building sustained significant damage, and emergency responders had to work quickly to rescue those trapped inside.
Tragically, four individuals lost their lives as a result of the crash, including two customers and two employees of the nail salon. Several others were injured and had to be taken to the hospital for treatment. The entire community has been left reeling from the senseless loss of life and the devastating impact of one individual’s reckless actions.
Prosecutors are now pursuing charges against the driver, including multiple counts of vehicular manslaughter and driving under the influence. They are also investigating whether any additional factors, such as distracted driving or mechanical issues with the vehicle, played a role in the crash. The driver faces serious consequences for his actions, including potential jail time and the revocation of his driver’s license.
This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of driving under the influence. It only takes one irresponsible decision to cause irreparable harm to innocent individuals and their families. As we mourn the loss of those who perished in this senseless crash, we must also take this opportunity to recommit ourselves to preventing similar tragedies in the future.
It is crucial for all individuals to understand the risks associated with drunk driving and to make responsible choices when it comes to getting behind the wheel. By planning ahead and arranging for a designated driver or alternative transportation, we can all do our part to keep our roads safe and prevent further loss of life. Let this heartbreaking event serve as a wake-up call for us all to prioritize safety and responsibility on the road.
