A Walmart shopper has been shot dead by Nebraska police after she abducted a stranger's toddler at knifepoint in broad daylight.
Noemi Guzman, 31, snatched three-year-old Cyler Hillman from the store on Tuesday morning while his mother, Sara, was shopping, according to Omaha police.
Guzman approached Sara and Cyler, who was seated in a shopping cart, with a 'large kitchen knife' and ordered his mother to leave the store.
She 'took possession of the child, essentially kidnapping the child,' and forced Sara to walk in front of the cart while she took control of it, police said.
She held the weapon to Cyler's body as she issued commands to Sara, telling her to 'stop' and then 'keep walking' as they headed to the parking lot.
Police intercepted Guzman shortly after she, the little boy and his mother exited the store.
Horrifying photos show how she held the knife to Cyler's head as she repeatedly made threats with the weapon.
Officers gave multiple verbal commands for her to drop the knife, but she refused to drop it and cut the boy, police said.
That's when two officers fired their service weapons at Guzman, killing her. Sara and a bystander immediately removed Cyler from the cart and provided aid.
Noemi Guzman, 31, abducted three-year-old Cyler Hillman at knifepoint from a Walmart in Omaha, Nebraska
Police say Guzman swiped the large kitchen knife at the child, cutting him across the face
Cyler was taken to a nearby hospital with lacerations to his face and hand. He required surgery and stitches
Cyler was taken to a nearby hospital with lacerations on his face and hand. He required surgery and stitches.
Photos shared by the family show Cyler's father holding him in his lap in a hospital chair after the horrific attack.
The Hillman family is 'shaken and in need of support,' a loved one wrote in a GoFundMe campaign created to help with medical bills, therapy and daily expenses as the toddler recovers.
Cyler's father was at a job interview when the attack unfolded and was hoping to secure new employment, but that is no longer a possibility, the crowdfunder said.
'Due to Cyler's condition and the need for his father to be by his side during recovery and therapy, employment will have to wait,' campaign organizer Tanya Gifford wrote.
'This unexpected turn has created financial stress at home, as Cyler's father must focus on his son's healing rather than work.'
Sara Hillman, a mom influencer, urged her followers to 'please pray for my baby.'
After the shooting, police attempted life-saving measures on Guzman, but she was pronounced dead at the scene.
Photos shared by the family after the horrific attack show Cyler's father holding him in his lap in a hospital chair. The Hillman family is 'shaken and in need of support'
Cyler, with a bandage on his face after the attack, is embraced by his father
Cyler's influencer mother Sara Hillman urged her followers to 'please pray for my baby'
Guzman tried to kidnap Cyler while he was with his mother Sara
Omaha police said Guzman shoplifted the knife from the store before approaching the Hillman family.
Deputy Police Chief Scott Gray told reporters during a news briefing Tuesday that Guzman and Sara had a verbal 'back-and-forth' until police arrived on the scene.
Gray added that it is unclear why Guzman approached the toddler and his mother, alleging there is no indication that they knew each other.
Guzman was arrested in 2024 after her father's home was set on fire, police said. She was also accused of breaking into a church rectory in South Omaha.
She was found not guilty by reason of insanity and assigned a treatment plan. Her annual review was scheduled for June 12 this year.
Omaha police have issued their 'sincere condolences' to Guzman's family and friends during this 'difficult time.'
No officers were injured in the shooting, but those involved have been placed on paid critical incident leave, per department policy.
The investigation into the shooting remains ongoing and the officers will be interviewed at a later time, police said.
Guzman was arrested in 2024 after her father's home was set on fire, police said. She was also accused of breaking into a church rectory in South Omaha. Above, in her previous booking photo
Guzman was shot dead after officers gave multiple verbal commands for her to drop the knife. She refused to and cut the boy, police said
'The responding officers acted with professionalism and direct action to intervene and save a child's life,' said Omaha Police Chief Todd Schmaderer.
'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.'
Omaha Mayor John W Ewing Jr also thanked police for their quick action, saying: 'I am grateful for the department's professionalism and transparency.'
Walmart has condemned the incident. A company spokesperson told the Daily Mail: 'Violence like this is unacceptable. We're working with police and supporting them in their investigation.'