Police shoot woman dead after attempted toddler kidnapping at US supermarket
A woman has been shot dead by police after allegedly attempting to kidnap a toddler and attacking him with a knife outside a supermarket in Omaha.
According to the Omaha Police Department, the incident occurred on Tuesday morning outside a Walmart store. Authorities say the suspect approached a woman and her three-year-old son before brandishing a knife believed to have been taken from inside the store.
Police allege the woman then seized the child and left the premises while holding him at knifepoint. Officers were quickly dispatched to the scene and issued repeated commands for the suspect to release the boy.
Deputy Police Chief Scott Gray said the situation escalated when the suspect began attacking the child, slashing him across the face while he sat in a shopping trolley. Bodycam footage later showed the woman holding the knife over the injured child.
At least one officer opened fire, fatally wounding the suspect, who was later identified by local media as 31-year-old Noemi Guzman.
The child sustained serious injuries, including cuts to his face and hand, but is expected to survive after receiving treatment in hospital.
Police said the motive behind the attack remains unclear, though officials believe it was an isolated incident. Todd Schmaderer praised officers for their swift response, stating their actions helped prevent a greater tragedy.
A Walmart spokesperson condemned the violence and confirmed the company is cooperating fully with investigators.
