Incident at Omaha Walmart

A woman attacked a 3-year-old boy in the face with a knife after kidnapping him from a Walmart in Omaha, Nebraska. The incident occurred on Tuesday morning, leading to a police officer firing their weapon.

Officers were dispatched following a 911 call that reported a woman, armed with a large kitchen knife, had a young child with her. Responding officers found the woman, later identified as Noemi Guzman, 31, near a shopping cart that held the child.

As officers approached, Guzman threatened the boy multiple times while still holding the knife, prompting officers to order her repeatedly to drop the weapon. Eventually, she put down the knife but did not harm the child.

Despite this, one of the officers then discharged their firearm at Guzman. Witnesses and the child’s guardian quickly rescued the boy from the cart and began administering first aid.

While EMS took the boy to a children’s hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries, Guzman was given medical attention at the scene but was pronounced dead shortly afterward.

The child, named Siler Hillman, sustained cuts to his face and hand, as reported by his parents. The police investigation later revealed through surveillance footage that Guzman had stolen the knife from the store before approaching the child and his parent, ultimately leading to the abduction.

Police Chief Todd Schmaderer stated that the officers acted with professionalism in attempting to save the boy’s life. According to officials, Guzman and the child’s guardian were not known to each other prior to the incident.

The police investigation is ongoing, and various parts of the incident were recorded by officers’ body cameras. The officers involved in the shooting have been placed on paid leave as part of standard protocol.

Authorities are encouraging any witnesses to the incident to reach out to the police department to provide their accounts. Previously, in 2024, Guzman faced charges related to violent behavior, including an incident involving her father, after which she was deemed not responsible due to a mental illness diagnosis.

As a result, she was subject to court jurisdiction but allowed to live in the community under supportive conditions. Local officials have expressed concern about the lack of resources available for individuals with similar mental health challenges.