FULLERTON, Calif. — A mother was arrested after her 19-month-old child fell out of a moving SUV at a busy intersection in Fullerton, an incident that was captured on video and later circulated widely on social media, authorities said.
The incident occurred on January 20 near the intersection of North Euclid Street and West Malvern Avenue.
Video footage shows the front passenger door of the SUV opening as the vehicle was making a turn, causing the toddler to fall onto the roadway. The driver stopped abruptly moments later, narrowly avoiding nearby traffic.
A woman seen in the video exited the vehicle, picked up the child, and returned to the SUV.
Police said the incident was not immediately reported. Authorities became aware of it several days later after a witness recognized the vehicle in the viral footage and contacted law enforcement.
Fullerton police identified the driver as 35-year-old Jacqueline Marie Hernandez of La Habra, the child’s mother.
She was arrested on suspicion of felony child abuse and endangerment and booked into the Fullerton City Jail.
The child was transported to a hospital and treated for injuries consistent with the fall. Officials said the toddler is expected to make a full recovery.
Police have not released details about how the door opened or whether the child was properly restrained at the time of the incident. The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities are asking anyone with additional information to come forward.
The case has prompted renewed discussion about child passenger safety and the importance of proper restraints and secured doors while driving.
Video Credit Via ABC7