A frightening moment at a Fullerton intersection has led to felony charges against a mother after her 19-month-old child fell from a moving SUV and landed in the roadway. Authorities said the incident came to light only after video of the fall began circulating widely online.
According to the Fullerton Police Department, the footage shows a black SUV turning through a busy intersection when the passenger door swings open and the toddler tumbles onto the pavement. The SUV stops immediately, and the car behind it brakes just in time to avoid running over the child.
Disturbing Footage Shows Mother Returning To Grab Child
Moments later, the video shows an adult woman leaving the driver’s side, running toward the child, picking the toddler up, and placing them back inside the SUV before driving off.
Police described the scene in detail, noting how close the child came to being struck by another vehicle.
Witness Information Leads Police To The SUV
Investigators said a witness contacted police on Saturday and provided information that helped them identify the vehicle. Officers soon traced the SUV to a residence in La Habra, where they located the SUV, the child involved, and the woman believed to be the driver seen in the video.
Authorities confirmed that the toddler, identified only as a 19-month-old, suffered injuries consistent with the fall. The child was transported to a nearby hospital and is expected to recover fully.
Mother Identified And Arrested
Police said the driver was identified as Jacqueline Hernandez, 35, and confirmed she is the child’s mother. Officers arrested Hernandez and booked her into the Fullerton City Jail on felony child abuse charges.
Neighbors React With Shock
Local residents told they were stunned by what the video showed. One neighbor, who asked not to be identified, said, “I can’t excuse something like that, I’m sorry.”
Neighbors added that the family has several children and expressed disbelief that such a dangerous situation could unfold.
Timeline Of The Incident
Investigators believe the fall happened sometime between 8 a.m. and 9 a.m. on January 20. Despite the shocking nature of the video, police said they did not receive any emergency calls when the incident occurred.
The investigation remains active, and authorities are asking anyone with additional information to contact the police department’s Sensitive Crimes Unit.
