Mother Arrested After Toddler Falls From Moving SUV During Turn in Fullerton
FULLERTON, Calif. — A 35-year-old mother has been arrested on suspicion of child abuse after her 19-month-old child fell out of a moving SUV during a left turn at a Fullerton intersection, according to police. The incident occurred on January 20 and was captured on video that has since circulated online. The footage shows an SUV approaching an intersection and beginning a left turn when the front passenger door suddenly swings open. Moments later, the toddler tumbles onto the roadway.
According to the Fullerton Police Department, the driver immediately stopped the vehicle, narrowly avoiding a collision with a car traveling behind her. The video then shows the woman exiting the driver’s side, picking up the child from the street, placing the toddler back into the SUV, and driving away from the scene.
A witness who saw the incident came forward on January 24 and reported what they observed to police. The witness was able to provide identifying details about the vehicle, which led investigators to locate the SUV, the child, and the woman at a residence several days later. Police identified the driver as Jacqueline Marie Hernandez, of Fullerton. Hernandez was taken into custody and booked on suspicion of child abuse. Authorities said the toddler suffered injuries consistent with the fall and was transported to a local hospital for evaluation and treatment.
“The child sustained injuries consistent with falling from the vehicle,” police said, adding that the toddler is expected to make a full recovery.
Investigators have not released details about whether the child was properly secured in a car seat at the time of the incident or why the passenger door opened while the vehicle was in motion. Those questions remain central to the ongoing investigation. Police confirmed that the case is still under review and that additional charges could be considered depending on the findings.
