Viral videos come a dime a dozen these days. When the content is interesting, shocking, or even disturbing, people will flock to social media to watch. People have an obsession with the macabre, and even when they want to, it’s as if they just can’t look away. A recent video from a busy California intersection led to a mother’s arrest child abuse charges. In the viral video, we see a 19-month-old baby fall from a black SUV making a turn. Miraculously, the toddler survived the fall, but it’s what happened next that truly shocked people.
The Fullerton Police Department shared the disturbing video on social media along with written details. Investigators believe the incident happened between 8 and 9 a.m. on January 20, 2026. A witness came forward on January 24. As the child fell from the SUV, a following vehicle barely stopped in time. A woman, later identified as the mother, 35-year-old Jacqueline Hernandez, stopped her vehicle quickly, nearly causing a crash. She ran, grabbed the baby, and moved back toward her car before the video ended.
“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,” police noted in the video overlay. “Officers located the vehicle, the child, and the female involved in the incident seen in the video.”
During the investigation, police learned Hernandez’s baby was treated for injuries consistent with the witness account and video evidence. Fullerton police arrested Hernandez, who faces felony child abuse charges.
The video shocked viewers, prompting many questions.
“My biggest question is how is it even possible? Even if the child is not secured in the vehicle as they should be, how did the door open?” a concerned person asked in the comments.
“That poor baby. How terrifying. Why wasn’t the baby in a car seat and why was the baby in the front seat. Just horrifying to watch,” another person added.
Just knowing the baby would be OK has brought plenty of relief to concerned viewers.
“This made me sick to my stomach. So happy the baby will make a full recovery,” one comment reads.
The investigation continues, and anyone with information should contact the Fullerton Police Department’s Sensitive Crimes Unit, Detective H. Rios, at (714) 738-6782 or [email protected].
Just seeing how close the person behind Hernandez’s car was is enough to make your skin crawl. Thankfully, the other driver was paying attention and stopped in time. That sweet baby’s survival is truly a miracle.
