Shocking video footage has emerged showing a 19-month-old baby falling from a moving vehicle onto a busy California road, leading to the arrest of the child's mother on serious charges.
Dramatic Incident Captured on Video
The heart-stopping incident occurred at a busy intersection in Fullerton County, California, where surveillance footage shows a black SUV driving through the junction when the passenger side door suddenly opens. A small child can be seen tumbling from the vehicle directly into the path of oncoming traffic.
The SUV immediately came to an abrupt stop, nearly causing a collision with the vehicle following behind. That driver appeared to swerve dramatically to avoid hitting the child who had landed in the roadway.
Mother's Response and Police Investigation
Following the incident, a woman identified as 35-year-old Jacqueline Hernandez of La Habra exited the driver's side of the vehicle and ran around to collect the child from the road before returning to the SUV.
The Fullerton Police Department launched an investigation into the alarming incident on January 24, 2026, after becoming aware of the circulating video footage on social media platforms.
"On January 24, 2026, a witness came forward and reported observing the incident," the police department stated in an official release. "The witness was able to provide identifying information related to the vehicle involved."
Child's Condition and Legal Consequences
According to police statements, the child sustained injuries consistent with the fall from the moving vehicle and was transported to a local hospital for medical treatment. Authorities have indicated the child is expected to make a full recovery from the traumatic incident.
Following their investigation, officers located the vehicle, the child, and Hernandez at a residence in La Habra. The 35-year-old mother was subsequently placed under arrest and booked at Fullerton City Jail on charges of felony child abuse.
Timeline and Ongoing Investigation
Police believe the incident occurred on January 20, 2026, between 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. at the busy Fullerton County interchange. Notably, authorities confirmed they had not received any emergency calls related to the incident at the time it occurred.
The Fullerton Police Department has stated their investigation remains active and ongoing, with officers seeking additional witnesses who may have information about the alarming event. The department continues to examine all available evidence as they pursue their case against the arrested mother.
This disturbing incident has raised serious questions about child safety in vehicles and proper securing of young passengers during travel. The dramatic footage serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences when proper safety measures are not followed.
