A chaotic scene unfolded Tuesday morning in Omaha when officers shot and killed a woman accused of attacking a young child during an apparent kidnapping attempt at a Walmart.
Authorities say the incident began shortly after 9 a.m. when a 911 call captured a disturbing moment. According to Deputy Police Chief Scott Gray, “Another voice could be heard in the background, saying, ‘Stop. Keep walking,’” indicating something was already wrong inside the store.
Police arrived minutes later to find a woman outside holding a knife to a 3-year-old child seated in a shopping cart. Investigators say the child had been with a caretaker when the suspect approached, produced a large knife, and forced them out of the store. Officers issued commands as they confronted the woman, but the situation escalated quickly. “The officers gave the suspect commands,” Gray said. “There is video that shows the suspects swiping the knife at the child, cutting him across the face.” At that point, at least one officer opened fire, killing the woman at the scene.
The child suffered cuts to the face and hand and was taken to a nearby hospital. Officials say he is expected to recover. Police believe the suspect acted alone and had no known connection to the child or caretaker. It also appears the knife may have been taken from inside the store. A motive remains unclear.
The Omaha Police Department confirmed no officers were hurt and described the situation as isolated, adding there was no ongoing danger to the public. A spokesperson for Walmart responded to the incident, saying, “violence like this is unacceptable,” and confirmed the company is cooperating with investigators.
The store was temporarily closed as authorities processed the scene, while nearby traffic was briefly disrupted. An investigation into the circumstances leading up to the attack is ongoing.
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