Woman slashes toddler’s face with knife in attempted Wal-Mart kidnapping before police turn gun on her

Warning: Disturbing and disturbing content

Police shot dead a woman after she was believed to have slashed a young child’s face with a knife in a horrific public kidnapping attempt.

Officers were called to a Walmart in Omaha, Nebraska, for an “emergency” Tuesday morning, but did not learn more about the dire situation until they arrived.

A second emergency phone call informed police that a woman was found carrying a “large kitchen knife” with a young child.

When they arrived at the scene, two officers approached the woman, later identified as 31-year-old Noemi Guzman, who was standing with a shopping cart containing three-year-old Cyler Hillman.

Omaha police said in a statement that Ms. Guzman refused to stand down.

“Ms. Guzman was making multiple threats with the knife. Officers gave Ms. Guzman multiple verbal commands to drop the knife,” police said.

As the little boy’s guardian watched, police said Ms. Guzman continued to refuse to put down the knife before cutting the boy. Meanwhile, both officers fired their weapons.

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“He refused to drop the gun and cut the child,” police said.

Two patrol officers opened fire on Ms. Guzman with their service weapons.

“The child’s guardian, together with a bystander, immediately took the child out of the car and helped him.

“Officers began performing life-saving measures on Ms. Guzman, but she was pronounced dead at the scene.

After reviewing CCTV footage, Omaha police realized that Ms. Guzman had used a knife she had stolen from Walmart during the incident, revealing what they believed to be a kidnapping plot.

“Investigators later determined through store security camera footage that Ms. Guzman had stolen the knife from inside the store.

“He then approached the child and the guardian in a shopping aisle, brandished the knife and forced the guardian to walk in front of the car with the child inside.

“Ms. Guzman directed them through the store and into the parking lot. Officers arrived shortly after Ms. Guzman, the guardian, and the child exited the store and began walking east toward the parking lot entrance.”

Cyrel was hospitalized following the incident. It is considered that the injuries are not life-threatening.

Omaha police shared two gruesome photos from officer body camera footage as part of their press release.

Omaha Mayor John W. Ewing Jr. said police actions prevented a larger tragedy.

“I am grateful for the department’s professionalism and transparency,” he said.

Omaha police said the investigation into the incident is continuing while they are reviewing both security footage and footage captured by the body cameras of the officer involved.

Both on-duty officers were placed on “paid critical leave,” which is standard under local policy.

“They will be interviewed at a later date and the Omaha Police Department Office of Public Information will release an updated story in the coming days,” police said.

Cyler’s mother, Sara Hillman, spoke about the horrific incident in a Facebook post.

“A situation has arisen that no family should ever have to go through. Our 3-year-old child was placed in a life-threatening situation by someone who should never be in a position to harm anyone,” he wrote.

“This is something we’re still trying to figure out as parents, and I don’t think we’ll ever fully understand it.”

Ms Hillman said her son was extremely brave throughout the terrifying encounter.

“What I can’t stop thinking about is… she didn’t even cry.

“When the officers asked him what he needed, all he said was he wanted his dad… and a Band-Aid so he could go home. That’s him.”

“He suffered a major facial injury as well as a wound to his hand, requiring approximately 17-20 stitches to his face and additional stitches to his hand. Physical recovery will take time, but emotional recovery for all of us will take even longer.”

A. GoFundMe It was established to support the family.

“Funds raised will help cover medical bills, therapy, and daily expenses until Cyler recovers. Your support will allow his father to be there for him during this difficult time and ensure Cyler receives the care and comfort he needs.”