Noemi Guzman shot dead by cops after cutting 3-year-old boy at Omaha Walmart she was allegedly trying to kidnap and refusing to put down kitchen knife. Nebraska authorities continue to investigate.
A 31-year-old woman was shot and killed by police Tuesday morning after allegedly attempting to kidnap a young child and cutting him with a knife at a Walmart store in Omaha, Nebraska authorities said.
The incident unfolded around 9:15 a.m. at a Walmart near 72nd and Pine Street following reports of a woman wielding a large kitchen knife and approaching a 3-year-old boy and his guardian.
Responding officers they encountered Noemi Guzman pushing a shopping cart with a 3-year-old boy seated inside.
Noemi Guzman shoplifts kitchen knife then threatens young boy and his guardian
Authorities said officers issued multiple commands for Guzman to drop the knife. Instead, she allegedly began cutting the child across his face, prompting two officers to open fire.
Guzman was struck and pronounced dead at the scene. Police confirmed that no officers were injured during the encounter.
The boy was transported to a local hospital with injuries described as non-life-threatening.
Investigators later determined through surveillance footage that Guzman had allegedly shoplifted the knife from inside the store before approaching the child and his guardian. She then forced the guardian to walk ahead while taking control of the cart and directing them toward the parking lot according to a news release from the Omaha Police Department (OPD).
Officers intercepted the group as they were exiting the store and heading toward the east entrance of the parking lot.
Unknown motive
Deputy Chief Scott Gray provided an update to reporters shortly before 11 a.m., confirming that the situation had been contained and there was no ongoing threat to the public.
Authorities say the investigation remains ongoing as they work to determine what led up to the incident and seemingly attempt to kidnap the boy.
Omaha woman prior criminal arrest and newly married just four days earlier
A mugshot of Guzman from 2024 was shared on social media by the Omaha Police Department. It remained unclear what the charges were.
A regard of Guzman’s Facebook page revealed her stating that she had been married since April 10, 2026 to
Nebraska authorities continue to investigate.
