Video of Child Falling Out of Car Leads to Mom's Arrest

Authorities say the 19-month-old was treated for injuries and is expected to make a full recovery.

Jan. 27, 2026 at 12:07pm

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A video of a 19-month-old child falling out of a moving car at a California intersection led to the arrest of the child's 35-year-old mother, Jacqueline Hernandez, on a felony child abuse charge. The incident occurred on January 20 in Fullerton, and a witness who saw the near collision reported it to police on January 24, resulting in Hernandez's arrest at her home in La Habra the next day.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the importance of properly securing young children in car seats and the potential consequences when safety protocols are not followed. It also demonstrates how viral videos can lead to swift law enforcement action, even in cases where no one called emergency services at the time.

The details

Footage shared by the Fullerton Police Department shows the toddler falling out of the passenger side door of an SUV and into a busy roadway. The driver behind the SUV is seen braking immediately, with the toddler directly in front of their car. After the SUV stopped, the video shows a woman, later identified as Hernandez, exiting the vehicle, scooping up the child, and returning to the vehicle.

  • The incident is believed to have occurred on January 20, 2026.
  • A witness reported the incident to police on January 24, 2026.
  • Jacqueline Hernandez was arrested at her home in La Habra on January 25, 2026.

The players

Jacqueline Hernandez

A 35-year-old woman who was arrested and charged with felony child abuse after her 19-month-old child fell out of her moving car.

Fullerton Police Department

The law enforcement agency that investigated the incident and made the arrest.

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What they’re saying

“The SUV immediately stops, nearly causing a traffic collision with the vehicle behind it.”

— Fullerton Police Department

“The child is expected to make a full recovery.”

— Fullerton Police Department

What’s next

The judge will decide on Tuesday whether to allow Jacqueline Hernandez to be released on bail.

The takeaway

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of properly securing young children in car seats and the potential legal consequences for failing to do so, even in cases where the child is ultimately unharmed.