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Mother Arrested After Viral Video Shows Toddler Falling From Moving SUV in Fullerton

Police say a witness tip days later led them to the La Habra mother now accused of felony child endangerment.

Overview

  • The incident occurred Jan. 20 between 8 and 9 a.m. at North Euclid Street and West Malvern Avenue and was captured on dashcam video.
  • Footage shows the front passenger door opening during a turn as the 19-month-old falls out; the driver stops, picks up the child and leaves as a trailing car narrowly avoids a crash.
  • Officers identified the driver as Jacqueline Hernandez, 35, and located her, the child and the SUV in La Habra after a witness provided vehicle details.
  • Hernandez was booked at the Fullerton City Jail on suspicion of felony child abuse; police say the child was hospitalized for injuries consistent with the fall and is expected to fully recover.
  • Investigators have not determined how the door opened or whether the child was properly restrained and are seeking additional witnesses to the event.