Woman shot dead after trying to kidnap toddler in supermarket and attacking him with a knife | US News

A woman has been shot dead by officers after police said she attempted to kidnap a toddler at a supermarket and slashed him across the face.

The incident unfolded outside a Walmart in Omaha, Nebraska on Tuesday morning.

Officials allege the suspect had approached a female shopper and a three-year-old boy who she did not know.

She then displayed a large knife she had shoplifted from the store and “took possession of the child”.

All three then left the supermarket, with the suspect holding the boy at knifepoint.

The police were called and gave the suspect commands, at which point she began “swiping the knife at the child, cutting him across the face”.

Bodycam footage was released that showed her holding a knife over the boy as he sat in a trolley.

At least one officer fired at the woman, who died at the scene. She has been identified by local media as 31-year-old Noemi Guzman.

The child is being treated in hospital for a large laceration to one of his hands and the left side of his face but is expected to survive.

Scott Gray, deputy chief at the Omaha Police Department, said it is unclear what provoked the suspect – but stressed that it appears to have been an isolated incident.

A Walmart spokesperson said “violence like this is unacceptable”, with the company confirming it is cooperating with the investigation.

Omaha Police Chief Todd Schmaderer said: “The responding officers acted with professionalism and direct action to intervene and save a child’s life.

“The community can be reassured in knowing that Omaha police officers stand ready to act with courage and decisiveness in the most serious situations to protect the public.”

The city’s mayor said the police’s quick actions helped prevent a larger tragedy.