Hispanic Woman Shot Dead by Police After Attacking Child at Walmart

Posted on 04/17/26 at 19:58

Noemí Guzmán, a Hispanic woman, died after being shot by police following an attack on a child with a knife in a Walmart parking lot in Omaha.

The case has caused widespread shock, not only because of the attack but also due to the suspect’s violent history.

According to the Omaha Police Department, the incident occurred around 9:13 a.m., when officers responded to an emergency call at a store located on South 72nd Street.

Upon arrival, they found Noemí Guzmán, 31, holding a kitchen knife and a 3-year-old child inside a shopping cart.

Noemí Guzmán’s attack and police response

Authorities said Guzmán ignored multiple orders to drop the weapon and ended up injuring the child.

Faced with the immediate threat, two officers opened fire, causing her death at the scene.

The child was taken to a hospital and is out of danger.

Noemí Guzmán’s violent history: attack on her father

Guzmán’s record reveals an alarming pattern of behavior.

In 2024, she was accused of attacking her own father with a knife and trying to set his home on fire after spraying him with a flammable liquid.

That same year, she was also involved in another incident when she entered a local church, caused damage, and threatened a priest.

Mental health and open legal process

According to court records, Guzmán was found not criminally responsible for the 2024 incidents due to mental health reasons.

Instead of facing prison, her case was directed to treatment or supervision, although no details have been released about the follow-up.

The case remained open, suggesting that her process had not concluded and that, apparently, she had not received enough care to prevent another violent episode.

Previous contact with police

One of the most disturbing elements is that Guzmán had contact with police hours before the attack.

Authorities have not specified the reason for that encounter, which raises questions about whether warning signs existed that were not addressed in time.

Ongoing investigation

Authorities also confirmed that Noemí Guzmán allegedly took the knife from inside the Walmart before approaching the child.

The police chief highlighted the officers’ actions, stating that their intervention was key to saving the child’s life.

The officers involved are on administrative leave while the investigation continues.

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