Woman killed by police at Omaha Walmart after allegedly kidnapping, slashing youngster

Tragic Incident at Omaha Walmart: Police Shoot and Kill Woman Who Slashed Child with Knife

A shocking and disturbing incident occurred at a Walmart store in Omaha, Nebraska, on Tuesday, when a woman allegedly kidnapped a 2- or 3-year-old boy from another woman inside the store and later slashed him with a knife outside. The Omaha police responded to the situation and shot and killed the suspect.

According to Deputy Chief Scott Gray, the suspect approached a female shopper and the young boy, displayed a large knife she had shoplifted from the store, and “took possession of the child, essentially kidnapping the child.” The suspect then ordered the woman to walk in front of the shopping cart, and she followed with the child at knifepoint. They proceeded out of the store and down a driveway, where they had a verbal exchange for several minutes until officers arrived.

Police Response and Shooting

After receiving a 911 call, police arrived outside the Walmart and gave the suspect commands. However, she began “swiping the knife at the child, cutting him across the face,” Gray said. The slashing was captured on video. At least one officer fired at the suspect, and she died at the scene. Body-worn camera images released by the police show the woman raising a knife over the young boy sitting in a shopping cart as the officer aims a gun at her.

A police body cam still image showing an Omaha police officer responding to a woman they say kidnapped a young boy and slashed him across the face before killing her in Omaha, Nebraska, on Tuesday, April 14, 2026.

Omaha Police Department via AP

Investigation and Aftermath

The child was taken to a hospital for treatment of a “rather large laceration” across the left side of his face and to one of his hands. He is expected to survive. The suspect’s motives and relationship to the boy and his caretaker are still unclear. The police are reviewing video from the store and investigating the incident with the help of the Nebraska State Patrol and the Sarpy County Sheriff’s Office.

According to Gray, the actions inside the store would not have drawn attention from other shoppers, as the suspect and the woman “kind of just purposely but casually walk out of the store.” The Walmart was largely empty as police continued their investigation.

The incident is being treated as an isolated event, and the police shooting will be thoroughly investigated. For more information on this tragic incident, visit Here

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