Steven Schwally, a 64-year-old man, pleaded not guilty to a 38-count indictment for crashing his SUV into a nail salon on Long Island, killing four people and injuring nine more. Prosecutors revealed in court that Schwally was driving 78 mph at the time of the crash and had a blood alcohol content of 0.17, more than twice the legal limit. He had purchased two bottles of Montebello Long Island Iced Tea before the crash, and witnesses stated that he had been drinking all day.
The crash occurred on June 28, resulting in the death of an off-duty NYPD officer and three others. Several injured individuals were in court when Schwally was indicted on new charges, including murder and vehicular manslaughter. He was remanded to jail without bail by State Supreme Court Justice Richard Ambro.
Schwally, a retiree with a history of working for a private security firm, was described as a regular at a local liquor store where he purchased alcohol before the crash. According to prosecutors, he showed a total disregard for public safety and a depraved indifference to human life. Despite being a Marine veteran who had lived in Suffolk County for 50 years, Schwally had no regular address and had been living in hotels for over a year. The Legal Aid Society of Suffolk County is representing Schwally, but they had no comment on the charges.
Photo credit
www.nbcnews.com