Omaha Police Shoot Woman Who Cut Child After Taking Him at Knifepoint

On Tuesday, April 14, 2026, Omaha police officers shot and killed a woman outside a Walmart in Omaha, Nebraska, after she used a knife to cut a young boy she had taken from another shopper. The child was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries. The police shooting is under investigation by multiple agencies.

Sequence of Events

According to statements from Omaha Police Deputy Chief Scott Gray, the incident unfolded as follows:

• Inside the Store: A woman, later identified as the suspect, approached a female shopper and a 2- or 3-year-old boy inside the Walmart. The suspect displayed a large knife that police stated she had taken from the store. She then took possession of the child.
• Exit from Store: The suspect instructed the child's caretaker to walk in front of a shopping cart. The suspect followed, with the child at knifepoint, as the group exited the store.
• Outside Confrontation: The two women and the child proceeded to a driveway outside the store. Deputy Chief Gray reported they had a verbal exchange for several minutes.
• Police Arrival and Altercation: Police responded to a 911 call. Upon arrival, officers gave commands to the suspect. Deputy Chief Gray stated that at that point, the suspect began swiping the knife at the child, cutting him across the face. Gray said this action was captured on video.
• Officer-Involved Shooting: At least one officer fired at the suspect. The woman was pronounced dead at the scene.

Deputy Chief Gray stated that at that point, the suspect began swiping the knife at the child, cutting him across the face. Gray said this action was captured on video.

Aftermath and Condition of the Child

The child was transported to a hospital for treatment. He sustained a laceration across the left side of his face and to one of his hands. Police stated he is expected to survive.

Ongoing Investigation

The Omaha Police Department is leading the investigation into the officer-involved shooting, with assistance from the Nebraska State Patrol and the Sarpy County Sheriff's Office.

• Evidence Review: Police are reviewing video footage from the store and officer body-worn cameras. Police released images from body-worn camera footage showing the woman raising a knife over the boy, who was in a shopping cart, as an officer aimed a firearm.
• Unanswered Questions: The suspect has not been publicly identified. The relationship between the boy and the female shopper he was with initially was not specified by authorities. Deputy Chief Gray stated the two women involved did not know each other, and the motive for the suspect's actions is unclear.
• Official Characterization: Deputy Chief Gray described the event as an isolated incident. He noted that the actions inside the store were not overt and likely did not draw attention from other shoppers at the time.