Jacqueline Hernandez: Mother arrested after 19-month-old flies out of car and narrowly avoids being run over
A 35-year-old mother has been arrested after shocking footage emerged of the moment her baby flew out of a moving vehicle at a busy intersection and narrowly avoided being run over.
California woman Jacqueline Hernandez was arrested on suspicion of child abuse after her 19-month-old baby fell from the passenger side of a moving vehicle on January 20, according to a statement from the Fullerton Police Department.
Police said the incident allegedly happened at an intersection in Fullerton, California between 8am and 9am. They did not receive any calls for service at the time.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.In the shocking footage, a black SUV belonging to Hernandez can be seen making a turn at a busy intersection, before the front passenger door opens and a small child falls out onto the road.
The SUV immediately halted, almost causing a collision with the white sedan behind it.
The 19-month-old narrowly avoided being hit by both the SUV and the car behind it, before Hernandez is seen running from the driver’s side, sweeping up her baby, and returning to the vehicle.
“On January 24, 2026, a witness came forward and reported observing the incident.” police said. “The witness was able to provide identifying information related to the vehicle involved.
“Officers conducted a follow-up investigation, which led them to a residence in the City of La Habra. Officers located the vehicle, the child, and the female involved in the incident seen in the video.”
Police added that the baby sustained injuries consistent with a fall, and was transported to hospital for treatment. The child is expected to make a full recovery.
“The female, identified as Jacqueline Hernandez, a 35-year-old resident of La Habra and the child’s mother, was placed under arrest and booked at the Fullerton City Jail for felony child abuse,” police said.
“This remains an ongoing investigation. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Fullerton Police Department’s Sensitive Crimes Unit”.
