Source : Perth Now news
Warning: Distressing and graphic content
Police have shot dead a woman they believe slashed a toddler’s face with a knife in a horrifying attempted public kidnapping.
Officers were called to a Walmart in Omaha, Nebraska on Tuesday morning for an “emergency” but had no further information about the terrifying situation until they arrived.
A second emergency phone call informed police that there was a woman armed with a “large kitchen knife” with a young child.
Once on the scene, two officers approached the woman later identified as 31-year-old Noemi Guzman, who was standing with a shopping trolley with three-year-old Cyler Hillman inside it.
In a statement, Omaha police said Ms Guzman was refusing to stand down.
“Ms Guzman was making multiple threats with the knife. Officers gave multiple verbal commands for Ms Guzman to drop the knife,” police said.
As the toddler’s guardian watched on, police said Ms Guzman continued to refuse to drop the knife, before cutting the boy. That’s when both attending officers fired their guns.
SEE PICTURES FROM THE SCENE BELOW
“She refused to drop the weapon and cut the boy,” police said.
The two patrol officers fired their service weapons striking Ms Guzman.
“The child’s guardian, along with a bystander, immediately removed the child from the cart and rendered aid to him.
“Officers began lifesaving measures on Ms Guzman; however, she was pronounced dead at the scene.
After reviewing CCTV footage, Omaha police understand that Ms Guzman used a knife she shoplifted from Walmart during the incident, and revealed what they believe to be a kidnapping plot.
“Investigators later determined through store surveillance footage that Ms Guzman had shoplifted the knife from inside the store.
“She then approached the child and guardian in a shopping aisle, brandished the knife, and forced the guardian to walk ahead of the cart while the child remained inside.
“Ms Guzman directed them through the store and into the parking lot. Officers arrived shortly after Ms. Guzman, the guardian, and child exited the store and began walking east toward the parking lot entrance.”
Cyrel was rushed to hospital following the ordeal. His injuries are considered non-life threatening.
As part of their press release, Omaha police shared two terrifying still images from one of the officer’s body camera footage.
John W. Ewing Jr, Omaha’s mayor, said the actions of police had prevented a larger tragedy.
“I am grateful for the department’s professionalism and transparency,” he said.
Omaha police said the investigation into the incident remains ongoing as they review both surveillance footage and vision captured by the attending officer’s body cameras.
Both attending officers have been placed on “paid critical leave” which is standard under local policy.
“They will be interviewed at a later date, and the Omaha Police Department Public Information Office will provide an updated news release in the coming days,” police said.
Cyler’s mother Sara Hillman has spoken out about the horrifying incident in a Facebook post.
“A situation unfolded that no family should ever have to experience. Our 3-year-old was put in a life-threatening situation by someone who should have never been in a position to harm anyone,” she wrote.
“It’s something we are still trying to process as parents, and something I don’t think we’ll ever fully understand.”
Ms Hillman said her son was extremely brave throughout the scary encounter.
“What I can’t stop thinking about… he didn’t even cry.
“When officers asked him what he needed, all he said was he wanted his daddy… and a bandaid so he could go home. That’s who he is.
“He suffered a major facial injury along with a wound to his hand, requiring approximately 17–20 stitches in his face and additional stitches in his hand. The physical healing will take time—but the emotional healing for all of us will take even longer.”
A GoFundMe has been set up to support the family.
“The funds raised will help cover medical bills, therapy, and daily expenses while Cyler recovers. Your support will allow his father to be present for him during this difficult time, ensuring Cyler receives the care and comfort he needs.”
