Disturbing video footage that circulated widely across social media platforms has captured a heart-stopping incident in which a young child fell from a moving vehicle at a busy California intersection, narrowly avoiding a catastrophic outcome.
A Terrifying Scene Unfolds
The incident occurred between 8am and 9am last Tuesday morning at the junction of North Euclid Street and West Malvern Avenue in Fullerton, California. The viral video shows a black SUV executing a left turn when, alarmingly, the front passenger door suddenly swings open. In a moment of sheer horror, a toddler can be seen tumbling out of the vehicle and onto the road surface.
Narrow Avoidance of Further Tragedy
As the SUV came to an abrupt halt in the middle of the intersection, the disoriented child appeared to crawl directly into the path of an oncoming vehicle. That driver demonstrated remarkable presence of mind, bringing their car to a stop mere inches from the toddler, thereby preventing what could have been a fatal collision.
The footage then shows a woman, later identified as 35-year-old Jacqueline Hernandez, rushing from the stationary SUV towards the child. She was dressed in a sweatshirt with her hair tied up in a bun. She swiftly scooped up the toddler, returned to the vehicle, and drove away from the scene without engaging with other motorists or waiting for emergency services.
Police Investigation and Charges
Fullerton Police Department announced on Monday that they had successfully identified and located the woman seen in the viral video. Their breakthrough came after a witness came forward on Saturday, providing crucial identifying information about the black SUV involved.
Officers were able to trace the vehicle's registration to Hernandez, who has been confirmed as the child's mother. She is now facing serious felony child abuse charges in connection with the incident. The child, aged 19 months, sustained injuries consistent with the fall but is fortunately expected to make a full recovery according to police statements.
Appeal for Further Witnesses
As the investigation into this terrifying ordeal continues, Fullerton police are actively appealing for any additional witnesses to come forward. They are seeking anyone who may have further information about the incident or the events leading up to it to assist with their ongoing enquiries.
This shocking incident serves as a stark reminder about the critical importance of proper child safety measures in vehicles, including the correct use of child seats and ensuring all doors are securely locked while the vehicle is in motion.
