California toddler falls out of moving car, mother charged
Share and Follow

A shocking incident unfolded at a bustling intersection in Fullerton, California, where a mother faces serious child abuse charges after a video captured her 19-month-old child tumbling from a moving SUV. The video quickly went viral, prompting police to take swift action, as they announced on Monday.

The Fullerton Police Department reported that the unsettling footage shows a black SUV making a turn at the intersection when the passenger-side door unexpectedly swings open. In a heart-stopping moment, a small child falls from the vehicle onto the road.

The SUV promptly halts, and a nearby vehicle narrowly avoids what could have been a devastating collision, stopping just in time to avert tragedy.

In the video’s aftermath, an adult woman is seen rushing from the driver’s side to retrieve the child. She swiftly picks up the toddler and secures them back inside the SUV before leaving the scene.

toddler falls from open passenger door of SUV turning through intersection

A black SUV turns at an intersection when a passenger-side door suddenly opens and a small child falls out of the vehicle and onto the roadway. (Fullerton Police Department)

A witness called police on Saturday and provided identifying information about the vehicle. Officers traced the SUV to a home in La Habra, where they located the vehicle, the child and a suspect believed to be the woman seen in the video.

car stops before collision with child and SUV

A car following the SUV narrowly avoided hitting the child and SUV. (Fullerton Police Department)

Police identified the child as a 19-month-old who suffered injuries consistent with the fall. The toddler was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment and is expected to make a full recovery.

The suspect was identified as Jacqueline Hernandez, 35, of La Habra, and the child’s mother. She was arrested and booked into the Fullerton City Jail for felony child abuse, police said.

mother picks up child from road

The child’s mother, identified as Jacqueline Hernandez, 35, of La Habra, picks the child up from the road. Hernandez was later arrested and charged with felony child abuse, police said. (Fullerton Police Department)

Neighbors told FOX11 Los Angeles that the family has several children and could not believe the mother would put her children in such a dangerous situation.

“I can’t excuse something like that, I’m sorry,” a neighbor who wished to remain anonymous told the local station.

Investigators believe the incident occurred between 8 a.m. and 9 a.m. on Jan. 20. Police said they did not receive any emergency calls related to the incident at the time.

The investigation remains ongoing, and police are asking anyone with additional information to contact the Fullerton Police Department’s Sensitive Crimes Unit.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
FBI fugitive Ryan Wedding, former Olympic snowboarder turned alleged drug kingpin, to appear in court

Former Olympic Snowboarder and FBI Fugitive Ryan Wedding Faces Court on Drug Charges

Once celebrated for his prowess on the snowy slopes, former Canadian Olympic…
Student loan pause lets those who won't repay avoid wage garnishment

Student Loan Pause Shields Debtors: How the Moratorium Prevents Wage Garnishment

Growing outrage is mounting over a last-minute decision by the Trump administration…
Sly Dunbar, Sly and Robbie reggae drummer, dies at age 73

Legendary Reggae Drummer Sly Dunbar of Sly and Robbie Passes Away at 73

Renowned Jamaican drummer Lowell “Sly” Dunbar, known for his work with the…
Top lawyer one of six killed in private jet crash on trip to Paris

Tragic Paris Jet Crash Claims Life of Prominent Lawyer Among Six Victims

In a heartbreaking turn of events, the wife of a well-known attorney…
'Starry Night Murderer' allegedly terrorizing people after early prison release, parole violations

Early Release Fuels Fear: ‘Starry Night Murderer’ Violates Parole, Alarming Community

A man once infamous for owning a Portland nightclub and being convicted…
Former Louisiana high school teacher indicted for allegedly trying to entice student into sex

Ex-Louisiana Teacher Faces Indictment for Alleged Student Enticement

A former high school educator from Louisiana is facing federal charges for…
Vandals cover California's Yosemite National Park in graffiti

Graffiti Vandalism Strikes California’s Iconic Yosemite National Park

A recent act of vandalism at Yosemite National Park has left visitors…
Autopsies show Bryan Kohberger stabbed Idaho victims 150 times

Shocking Autopsy Revelation: Idaho Victims Suffered 150 Stab Wounds in Bryan Kohberger Case

Chilling revelations have come to light regarding the last moments of Bryan…