At a Glance
- Jacqueline Hernandez, 35, was arrested after her 19-month-old baby fell from a moving SUV.
- The incident happened at the intersection of N. Euclid St. and W. Malvern Ave on Jan. 20, 2025.
- The child is expected to make a full recovery after treatment.
Why it matters: The event highlights the risks of improper child seat use and the importance of vehicle safety.
A 35-year-old mother was arrested after her 19-month-old baby fell from a moving SUV, narrowly avoiding being run over. The incident, captured on video, took place at the intersection of N. Euclid St. and W. Malvern Ave in Fullerton on Jan. 20. Police are investigating the case and the child is expected to recover.
Incident Details
The crash occurred between 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. local time on Jan. 20. A black SUV entered the intersection, turned, and the front passenger door opened. The 19-month-old fell to the ground and into the roadway.
A witness saw the child nearly struck by the SUV and a light-colored car behind it. The second vehicle braked sharply, and a yellow car swerved to avoid a collision. The driver of the black SUV stopped abruptly, jumped out, picked up the child, and drove away.
Police Investigation
The Fullerton Police Department identified the woman as Jacqueline Hernandez of La Habra. Officers followed a lead from a witness who reported the incident on Jan. 24.
Jacqueline Hernandez was arrested on suspicion of felony child abuse on Jan. 26. The arrest was made after investigators located the vehicle, the child, and the woman at a residence in La Habra.
The police said the baby sustained injuries consistent with the fall and was transported to an area hospital for treatment. The child is expected to make a full recovery.
Legal Context
Under California law, children under 2 years of age must ride in a rear-facing car seat unless the child is 40 pounds or more, or is 40 or more inches tall. The seat must comply with the manufacturer’s height and weight limits.
Rear-facing seats should never be placed in front of an active air bag. Children must also be seated in the back seat of a car until age 8.
Health and Safety
The infant was treated for injuries from the fall. Hospital records indicate no life-threatening damage, and medical staff anticipate a full recovery.
The incident underscores the importance of securing infants properly. Parents are advised to follow state guidelines for car seat placement and to keep the front passenger seat closed when a child is inside.
Public Response
The community reacted with concern after the video circulated. Social media posts urged parents to double-check car seat installation.
Law enforcement encouraged anyone with additional information to contact the Fullerton Police Department’s Sensitive Crimes Unit, Detective H. Rios, at (714) 738-6782 or email [email protected].
Anonymous tips can also be submitted through Orange County Crime Stoppers at (855) TIP-OCCS or via www.p3tips.com/913.
Ongoing Investigation
The Fullerton Police Department is continuing its investigation. No attorney has been confirmed for Hernandez.
The case remains open, and authorities are monitoring the child’s condition closely.
Timeline of Events
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Jan. 20 | Infant falls from SUV at N. Euclid St. & W. Malvern Ave |
| Jan. 24 | Witness reports incident to police |
| Jan. 26 | Hernandez arrested on felony child abuse charges |
Key Takeaways
- A 35-year-old mother was arrested after her 19-month-old baby fell from a moving SUV.
- The child is expected to recover after treatment.
- The incident highlights the importance of proper child seat usage and vehicle safety.
