This is Cyler — the brave little boy who was almost kidnapped during a terrifying incident at a Walmart in Omaha, Nebraska.
While his father was attending a job interview to support the family, a woman allegedly grabbed Cyler from the cart, shoplifted a knife inside the store, and cut his face before police were forced to shoot her. Cyler was rushed to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, but the trauma of that day has left a lasting impact on this young family.
In the aftermath, Cyler’s father has had to put his job search on hold to stay by his son’s side through recovery and therapy. The family is now facing mounting medical bills, therapy costs, and everyday living expenses while focusing entirely on helping Cyler heal.
A GoFundMe has been set up to support them during this difficult time. I’ll leave the link in the comments.
BACKSTORY
On Tuesday morning, 31-year-old Noemi Guzman was shot and killed by police after she allegedly attempted to kidnap 3-year-old Cyler and cut him with a knife she had just stolen from the Walmart near 72nd and Pine Street. Officers responded to reports of a disturbance, found Guzman pushing the boy in a shopping cart, and issued commands for her to drop the weapon. When she began cutting the child, two officers opened fire. No officers were injured. The boy was immediately aided by his guardian and a bystander before being transported to the hospital.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Cyler and his entire family as they navigate this trauma and focus on his healing.