Fullerton police say the 19-month-old is expected to recover after the Jan. 20 incident captured at Euclid Street and Malvern Avenue.
FULLERTON, CA — A viral video shows a toddler falling from the passenger side of a moving SUV at a busy intersection, prompting a police investigation that led to the arrest of the child’s mother on Monday. The incident happened the morning of Jan. 20 at North Euclid Street and West Malvern Avenue, authorities said.
Police identified the driver as Jacqueline Hernandez, 35, of La Habra. She was booked on suspicion of felony child abuse after detectives tracked the vehicle and the family days after the clip began circulating. Investigators said the 19-month-old sustained injuries consistent with the fall and was treated at a hospital; the child is expected to fully recover. Officers say they learned of the incident when a witness came forward on Jan. 24, four days after the morning spill at the Fullerton intersection. The case has drawn widespread attention as officials sort out what happened inside the SUV moments before its passenger door swung open.
Police believe the fall occurred between 8 and 9 a.m. on Jan. 20, as traffic moved through the crossroads where Malvern meets Euclid. In the video, a black SUV begins a turn, the front passenger door opens and a small child tumbles onto the roadway as cars approach. The SUV stops abruptly; the driver jumps out, lifts the child from the asphalt, and returns to the driver’s seat before leaving the scene. “Officers located the vehicle, the child, and the female involved in the incident seen in the video,” police said in a statement, adding that the child’s injuries were treated and the child is expected to make a full recovery.
According to police, the investigation began in earnest after a witness provided identifying details about the SUV on Jan. 24. Detectives followed up and located the vehicle, the child and Hernandez in neighboring La Habra. Authorities said the clip appears to show the toddler narrowly missed by both the SUV and a car behind it. The department said it is still reviewing evidence, including the video and interviews with those involved. Officials did not immediately disclose whether a car seat was present or how the door opened. It was not known if Hernandez had retained an attorney.
The intersection, a well-traveled route connecting Fullerton neighborhoods and nearby shopping areas, was busy at the time of the fall, based on the traffic visible in the recording. Fullerton has seen routine traffic collisions at major junctions such as Euclid and Malvern, according to city crash summaries, but incidents involving children falling from vehicles are rare. The department, led by Chief Jon Radus, routinely releases community alerts and requests for tips when videos surface that show potential crimes or hazards. In this case, the department said the witness’s delayed report still provided enough detail for officers to identify the SUV and quickly locate the family.
Hernandez was booked at the Fullerton City Jail on suspicion of felony child abuse. As of late Monday, the case was being prepared for review by the Orange County District Attorney’s Office to determine charges. Police said they would continue to gather statements and check nearby businesses or homes for additional video from the morning of Jan. 20. Officials plan to update the public when the DA makes a filing decision. No court date had been set as of Monday night, and authorities did not announce any additional arrests.
Residents who frequent the area described steady morning traffic and tight turns at the Euclid–Malvern intersection. In the video, drivers are seen braking hard as the child lands on the pavement and the SUV stops short. A light-colored car halts just feet from the toddler while another vehicle swerves to avoid a collision. “It’s hard to watch,” a neighbor said after viewing the clip shared widely on social media. “You see the child get picked up and your stomach drops.” Police asked anyone with information or additional footage from Jan. 20 to contact investigators.
As of Monday night, the child was recovering and the investigation remained open. Prosecutors are expected to review the case this week and decide on formal charges. Police said any further updates will follow once charging decisions are made and court dates are set.
Author note: Last updated January 27, 2026.