Woman shot dead after attacking child in shopping cart with knife outside Walmart
A woman has been shot dead by police after attacking a three-year-old child with a knife outside a Walmart in Nebraska.
The incident took place on Tuesday (14 April) morning as the Omaha Police Department responded to a superstore on South 72nd Street.
The individual, later identified as 31-year-old Noemi Guzman, shoplifted a large knife and approached a boy - since named as Cyler Hillman - and his guardian in the aisle, surveillance footage showed.
When officers arrived at the scene, they commanded Guzman - who left the store and 'took possession of the child' - to drop the knife.
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Bodycam footage showed Guzman holding the knife over the child as he sat in a trolley in the parking lot.
The suspect started 'swiping the knife at the child, cutting him across the face'.
"She refused to drop the weapon and cut the boy. The two patrol officers fired their service weapons striking Ms. Guzman," Omaha Police said.
"The child’s guardian, along with a bystander, immediately removed the child from the cart and rendered aid to him.
"Officers began lifesaving measures on Ms. Guzman; however, she was pronounced dead at the scene.
"The boy was taken to Children’s Hospital by Omaha Fire Department medics for treatment.
"The boy’s injuries are considered non-life threatening."
Casey Hillman, Cyler's dad, told KMTV: "His three main concerns, according to the officers, were Dad a band-aid and to go home in that order.
"He sat in my lap till they took him to surgery and that was the first time he cried during that whole ordeal because he had to leave me.
"He definitely cowboyed up. I don't think I could have got a gash like that and not been crying.
"This morning, we were going to get his boots and he told me he didn't want to go outside because it was scary outside."
Deputy chief Scott Gray said it remains unclear what provoked the suspect in what he confirmed was an isolated incident.
A Walmart spokesperson also told LADbible that 'violence like this is unacceptable. We’re working with police and supporting them in their investigation'.
Police say 'the investigation remains ongoing' and that it 'offers its sincere condolences to the family and friends of Ms. Guzman during this difficult time'.
“The responding officers acted with professionalism and direct action to intervene and save a child’s life,” added Omaha Police Chief Todd Schmaderer.
“The community can be reassured in knowing that Omaha police officers stand ready to act with courage and decisiveness in the most serious situations to protect the public.”
Mayor John W. Ewing Jr. thanked police for quick action that prevented a larger tragedy.
“I am grateful for the department’s professionalism and transparency,” he said.
LADbible Group has contacted the Omaha Police Department for an update.
The Omaha Police Department is asking any independent witnesses who may have observed or recorded any actions of Guzman during this incident to please contact the department directly at 402-444-4877. Please reference Report Number: AA31063 when calling.
Anish Vij