Mother Arrested After One-Year-Old Falls From Passenger Seat of Moving SUV, Almost Gets Run Over [WATCH]

A California mother was arrested on felony child abuse charges after viral video footage showed her toddler falling from a moving vehicle into a busy intersection in Fullerton, authorities said, as reported by The New York Post.

The incident occurred on the morning of Jan. 20 at the intersection of W. Malvern Ave. and N. Euclid St. in Fullerton, according to the Fullerton Police Department.

Police said a black SUV driven by Jacqueline Hernandez, 35, was making a left turn when her 19-month-old child fell out of the passenger side of the vehicle.

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Video of the incident, which quickly spread on social media, shows the toddler tumbling onto the roadway as traffic moves through the intersection.

Moments later, Hernandez is seen rushing from the vehicle to grab the child, nearly causing a collision with a car traveling behind her.

NEW: Fullerton PD has arrested the mother of the 19-month-old child seen falling out of the SUV in this video.

It happened on January 20th and this video started circulating on social media.

The child was hospitalized but is expected to make a full recovery. The mother was… pic.twitter.com/oLIqqPXznH

— Bianca Buono (@abc7bianca) January 26, 2026

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Police said the toddler was transported to a nearby hospital following the incident. Authorities later confirmed the child is expected to make a full recovery.

According to the Fullerton Police Department, the case progressed after a witness came forward days later with information that helped investigators identify Hernandez and determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Hernandez was taken into custody on Monday and booked on felony child abuse charges.

Kristy Wells, a public information officer for the Fullerton Police Department, said investigators were relieved the situation did not result in more serious injuries.

“I am grateful the child didn’t suffer any further injuries,” Wells told The Post.

Wells also used the incident to remind parents and caregivers of the importance of using proper child safety restraints in vehicles.

“It can save the life of your child,” she said.

Police have not released additional details about how the child was able to exit the vehicle or whether a car seat was being used at the time of the incident.

Authorities said the investigation remains active as they continue to gather information related to the case.

The Fullerton Police Department is encouraging anyone with additional information about the incident to contact investigators directly.

No further charges have been announced at this time, and officials did not say whether additional enforcement actions could follow pending the outcome of the investigation.

The incident has drawn widespread attention online, with the video circulating across multiple social media platforms and prompting renewed discussion about child safety in vehicles.

Police emphasized that the arrest was based on evidence gathered during the investigation and information provided by witnesses.

Authorities have not released details about Hernandez’s court date or bail status. The department said updates will be provided as the case proceeds through the legal process.

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