Summary
- Woman shot dead by police after kidnapping a 3-year-old at knifepoint
- Incident happened outside a Walmart in Omaha, Nebraska
- Child survived with non-life-threatening injuries
NAIROBI, Kenya- A knife-wielding woman was shot dead by police after abducting a three-year-old boy at knifepoint outside a Walmart store in Omaha, in what authorities described as a random and violent attack.
The suspect, identified as Noemi Guzman, allegedly refused to drop the weapon and injured the child before officers opened fire.
How the kidnapping unfolded inside the Omaha store
Police say Guzman shoplifted a knife before approaching a child and his babysitter inside the supermarket.
She then forced the babysitter to walk ahead while keeping the boy seated in a shopping trolley, holding him at knifepoint.
The suspect led them through the store and into the parking lot before officers arrived on the scene.
Moment police opened fire after suspect injured child
Body camera footage showed Guzman still armed and threatening the child when police confronted her.
Officers say she refused repeated orders to drop the knife and cut the boy on the cheek during the standoff.
Two officers then fired, killing her at the scene.
The child was rushed to hospital and treated for injuries that were not life-threatening.
Mental health history raises questions after incident
Authorities confirmed the suspect had a history of mental illness, including a previous case where she was found not criminally responsible due to insanity.
Reports indicate she had earlier been involved in violent incidents, including attacking a family member and damaging property at a church.
The case has reignited concerns around mental health interventions and public safety, especially in unpredictable, random attacks.
The child’s parents have since urged vigilance, warning how quickly such situations can escalate.
