At a Glance
- Child fell from moving SUV in Fullerton on January 20.
- 35-year-old driver arrested for felony child endangerment.
- Victim, a 19-month-old, hospitalized and expected to recover.
Why it matters: The case underscores the dangers of children near moving vehicles and the need for quick police response.
The headline, Driver Arrested After Child Falls from Moving SUV, captures the core of the incident.
The incident occurred on the morning of January 20 in Fullerton, California, when a toddler fell from a black SUV traveling on N. Euclid Street. Authorities say the child was picked up by the driver after the vehicle stopped, and the toddler was later taken to a hospital with injuries consistent with a fall. The driver, identified as 35-year-old Jacqueline Hernandez of La Habra, was arrested for felony child endangerment.
Incident Overview
The fall happened between 8 a.m. and 9 a.m. at the intersection of N. Euclid Street and W. Malvern Avenue. A security camera captured the child tumbling onto the roadway from the passenger side of the SUV. The vehicle immediately halted, and a female driver exited the car to retrieve the child from the ground. The footage quickly spread on social media, prompting a witness to contact the Fullerton Police Department over the weekend.
Vehicle and Driver Details
- Vehicle color: Black
- Make and model: Not specified
- Driver: 35-year-old Jacqueline Hernandez
- Residence: La Habra, California
- Charges: Felony child endangerment
The police confirmed that the vehicle belonged to Hernandez, who was taken into custody after investigators reviewed the footage and matched the car’s description to her ownership.
Police Investigation
Fullerton police say they are seeking additional witnesses. They reported that no one called to report or complain at the time of the incident. The department urged anyone with further information to contact them at 714-738-6782. Investigators are also reviewing the security footage to determine whether the child was in the vehicle before the fall or if the fall occurred while the vehicle was in motion.
Victim Condition
The toddler, a 19-month-old, sustained injuries consistent with a fall from a vehicle. The child was transported to a local hospital and is expected to make a full recovery. No additional medical details were released at this time.
Timeline of Events
| Date | Time | Event |
|---|---|---|
| January 20 | 8 a.m.-9 a.m. | Child falls from moving SUV; driver picks up child |
| January 20 | After 9 a.m. | Police receive footage from witness |
| January 20 | Evening | Hernandez arrested for felony child endangerment |
| January 26 | Morning | Article published |
Public Response
The video’s rapid spread on social media highlighted the community’s concern about child safety near moving vehicles. A witness who saw the incident reached out to the police over the weekend, providing a description of the vehicle and the driver. The community is encouraged to remain vigilant and report any similar incidents promptly.
Next Steps
- Police continue to investigate the circumstances of the fall.
- Hernandez remains in custody awaiting further legal proceedings.
- The hospital will provide updates on the toddler’s recovery as they become available.
- Authorities will release additional information if new witnesses come forward.
Key Takeaway: Prompt reporting and swift police action are critical in ensuring the safety of children in public spaces and in holding responsible parties accountable.
