An Omaha police intervention turned fatal Tuesday morning after a woman allegedly abducted a three-year-old boy at a local Walmart and slashed his face with a stolen knife. The suspect, identified as 31-year-old Noemi Guzman, was shot and killed by responding officers during the confrontation.
The incident began at approximately 9:15 a.m. at the Walmart located at 1606 S. 72nd Street. According to the Omaha Police Department (OPD), surveillance footage captured Guzman shoplifting a large kitchen knife before approaching a toddler and his guardian in a shopping aisle.
Wielding the weapon, Guzman allegedly forced the guardian to walk ahead of the shopping cart while she maintained control of the child. The OPD arrived on the scene just as Guzman pushed the cart into the parking lot.
Upon arrival, officers confronted Guzman, who was reportedly making “multiple threats” with the knife. Despite repeated commands to disarm, Guzman refused to comply. The situation escalated when Guzman used the blade to cut the toddler’s face, prompting two officers to discharge their service weapons.
Guzman was struck by gunfire and, despite immediate lifesaving efforts by officers, was pronounced dead at the scene.
The three-year-old victim was quickly secured by his guardian and a bystander. Omaha Fire Department medics transported the child to Children’s Hospital for treatment. Authorities confirmed the boy’s injuries are non-life-threatening.
Omaha Police Chief Todd Schmaderer commended the officers for their decisive action under extreme pressure.
“The community can be reassured in knowing that Omaha police officers stand ready to act with courage and decisiveness in the most serious situations to protect the public,” Schmaderer stated, noting that the officers’ professionalism directly saved the child’s life.
Omaha Mayor John W. Ewing Jr. echoed these sentiments, expressing gratitude for the department’s transparency during the unfolding crisis.
Per standard protocol, the two officers involved have been placed on paid critical incident leave. A multi-agency investigation is currently underway, involving:
- The OPD Involved Investigations Team
- The Nebraska State Patrol
- The Douglas and Sarpy County Sheriff’s Offices
The investigation will review body-worn camera footage and store surveillance to finalize the official report on the use of force. No further threats to the public remain.
