The suspect, identified by police as Noemi Guzman, 31, approached a female shopper and a boy, displayed a large knife, and took possession of the child. According to Omaha police, Guzman had shoplifted the knife from the store before the incident. Deputy Police Chief Scott Gray stated that Guzman snatched the child from the store while his mother Sara was shopping, though the two women had no prior connection, making the incident appear isolated.
Guzman ordered the woman to walk in front of the shopping cart while she held the child at knifepoint, with police reporting that she held the weapon to the child's body as she issued commands. Multiple reports indicate that police intercepted Guzman shortly after she, the child, and the woman exited the store. Deputy Police Chief Scott Gray described a verbal 'back-and-forth' between the two women for several minutes until police arrived, creating a tense hostage situation both inside and outside the store.
Officers gave multiple verbal commands for Guzman to drop the knife, but she refused and cut the boy. Police said Guzman began swiping the knife at the child, cutting his face, after these commands. Two officers fired their service weapons at Guzman, killing her, though multiple reports also state that at least one officer fired at the suspect, and she died at the scene.
The Hillman family is shaken and in need of support.
After the shooting, multiple reports indicate that police attempted life-saving measures on Guzman, but she was pronounced dead at the scene. The woman and a bystander immediately removed the child from the cart and provided aid, according to these reports. The child was treated for a large laceration across the left side of his face and to a hand, and is expected to survive, according to Deputy Police Chief Scott Gray.
Authorities report that the child sustained non-life-threatening injuries and is expected to recover. Police said the child was transported by Omaha Fire Department medics to Children’s Hospital for treatment. Body-worn camera images show the woman raising a knife over the young boy in a shopping cart as an officer aims a gun at her.
It remains unclear why Guzman approached the toddler and his mother, with Deputy Police Chief Scott Gray stating there is no indication they knew each other. Police are reviewing video from the store, according to Deputy Police Chief Scott Gray, who noted that the Walmart was largely empty during the investigation, and the actions inside wouldn't necessarily have drawn attention. Guzman had a criminal and mental health history, with police reporting that she was arrested in 2024 after her father's home was set on fire and accused of breaking into a church rectory.
Multiple reports indicate that Guzman was found not guilty by reason of insanity and assigned a treatment plan, with an annual review scheduled for June 12 this year. The Hillman family is 'shaken and in need of support,' as per a GoFundMe campaign organized by a loved one. According to the crowdfunder, the child's father was at a job interview during the attack and cannot work due to the child's recovery needs.