Omaha, Nebraska — A tense and tragic incident unfolded in Omaha on Tuesday morning, where police officers shot and killed a woman accused of threatening a young child with a knife inside a Walmart store.
According to authorities, officers were dispatched to a Walmart near 72nd and Pine Streets around 9:20 a.m. after receiving an emergency call. Upon arrival, they encountered 31-year-old Noemi Guzman in the parking lot area, standing beside a shopping cart with a 3-year-old boy inside.
Police said Guzman was armed with a knife and making repeated threats. Despite multiple verbal commands from officers to drop the weapon, she allegedly refused to comply. Officials reported that during the confrontation, she cut the child, prompting officers to open fire.
The two responding officers discharged their weapons, striking Guzman. She was later pronounced dead at the scene. Officers immediately attempted lifesaving measures, but she could not be revived.
Meanwhile, a caretaker and a bystander quickly intervened, removing the injured child from the cart and providing aid. The child was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he underwent surgery. Authorities later confirmed that he is expected to survive.
Investigators revealed that surveillance footage shows Guzman had taken a large kitchen knife from inside the store before approaching the child and caretaker. She allegedly forced the caretaker to walk ahead while keeping the child in the cart, leading them out of the store and into the parking lot shortly before police arrived.
Officials also confirmed that Guzman had prior encounters with law enforcement earlier that same day, though details of that interaction remain unclear.
The case has drawn further attention due to Guzman’s past legal history. In 2024, she was accused of violently attacking her father and later breaking into a church property, where she allegedly caused damage and threatened a priest. She had pleaded not guilty to multiple charges in that case and was released under court conditions.
Omaha Police Chief Todd Schmaderer stated that the officers acted decisively in a rapidly evolving and dangerous situation, emphasizing their efforts to protect the child’s life. City officials also expressed support for the officers’ actions.
As per department policy, the officers involved have been placed on paid critical incident leave while the investigation continues. Authorities noted that body camera footage and store surveillance videos captured key moments of the incident.
Police are urging anyone who witnessed the incident or has additional information to come forward as the investigation remains ongoing.
The Walmart store has since reopened, with company representatives stating their cooperation with law enforcement and condemning the violence.
