The Omaha Police Department’s Officer-Involved Investigations Team is investigating a critical incident that left a woman dead and a young child injured during an armed confrontation Tuesday morning.
Officers with the Uniform Patrol Bureau responded at 9:13 a.m. on April 14, 2026, to a “nature unknown” emergency call at a Walmart located at 1606 S. 72nd Street. The initial 911 call came from a woman requesting police assistance, but she stopped providing information during the call. A second 911 caller reported a woman armed with a large kitchen knife accompanied by a young child.
When officers arrived, they encountered 31-year-old Noemi Guzman, who was reportedly standing in the store’s southern parking lot area near a shopping cart containing a 3-year-old boy. Police say Guzman was armed with a knife and making threats while officers gave repeated verbal commands for her to drop the weapon.
According to investigators, Guzman refused to comply and cut the child during the encounter. Officers then fired their service weapons, striking Guzman. She was pronounced dead at the scene despite life-saving efforts from responding officers.
The child was immediately removed from the cart by a guardian and a bystander, who provided aid before Omaha Fire Department medics transported him to Children’s Hospital. Officials say the child’s injuries are non-life-threatening.
Investigators later determined through store surveillance footage that Guzman had allegedly stolen the knife from inside the store before the incident. Surveillance also showed her confronting the child and guardian inside the store, brandishing the weapon, and forcing them through the aisles and into the parking lot prior to officers arriving.
Omaha Police Chief Todd Schmaderer praised the officers’ response, stating that they acted with “professionalism and direct action” to intervene and save a child’s life.
The investigation remains ongoing and is being assisted by the Nebraska State Patrol, as well as the Douglas and Sarpy County Sheriff’s Offices. Body-worn camera footage and surveillance video captured portions of the incident.
The involved officers have been placed on paid administrative leave in accordance with department policy. Officials also expressed condolences to Guzman’s family and confirmed that a full review of the incident is underway.
Authorities are asking any witnesses or individuals with video footage to contact the Omaha Police Department at 402-444-4877, referencing report number AA31063.
