Police in Nebraska shot dead a woman who kidnapped and slashed a toddler at a Walmart, with officers praised for intervening and saving the child’s life.
Police in Omaha, Nebraska, fatally shot a 31-year-old woman after she allegedly kidnapped and slashed a toddler at a Walmart on Tuesday morning. Authorities said the suspect, identified as Noemi Guzman, shoplifted a knife and forced a shopper to move through the store before taking the child. Deputy Chief Scott Gray said she “took possession of the child, essentially kidnapping the child.”
Officers confronted Guzman in the parking lot, where she ignored repeated orders to drop the weapon and attacked the child. Police opened fire after she slashed the boy, who sustained serious injuries. The toddler was rushed to hospital with facial and hand wounds but is expected to survive, while Guzman died at the scene despite life-saving efforts.
Omaha Police Chief Todd Schmaderer praised officers, saying, “The responding officers acted with professionalism and direct action to intervene and save a child’s life.” He added, “The community can be reassured… officers stand ready to act with courage.” Authorities have launched a joint investigation into the incident involving multiple law enforcement agencies.