A deadly police shooting unfolded Tuesday morning at a Walmart near 72nd and Pine Street in Omaha, Nebraska, after officers responded to reports of a woman armed with a large kitchen knife attempting to kidnap a young child. The incident began around 9:15 a.m., when witnesses reported a woman approaching a 3‑year‑old boy and his guardian inside the store.
When officers arrived, they encountered Noemi Guzman, 31, pushing a shopping cart with the child seated inside. Police said Guzman was holding a large kitchen knife and refused repeated commands to drop it. Body‑camera images later released by the department showed officers confronting her moments before the violence escalated.
According to investigators, Guzman began cutting the child across his face and hand while officers were giving commands. The boy’s guardian and nearby shoppers screamed for help as officers moved in. Police stated that Guzman continued “swiping” the knife at the child, prompting two officers to open fire to stop the attack.
Guzman was struck by the gunfire and pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities confirmed that no officers were injured during the encounter. The child was rushed to the hospital for emergency treatment and later underwent successful surgery for his injuries.
Police identified the two officers involved as Brian Seaton and Roger Osaka, both 22‑year veterans of the Omaha Police Department. As is standard procedure, both were placed on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of internal and grand jury investigations.
Investigators later determined that Guzman had shoplifted the kitchen knife from the store before attempting to kidnap the child. Authorities described the incident as a sudden and violent attack that required immediate intervention to save the boy’s life. The case remains under review as officials continue gathering evidence and witness statements.