California mother arrested after 19-month-old miraculously survives being thrown from car

Jacqueline Hernandez was arrested after footage of her baby falling from a car went viral. Photo / Fullerton Police Department

Californian police have shared shocking video of an infant being flung from a moving car and have arrested a woman on charges of child abuse.

The footage, which went viral on social media before it was reposted by the Fullerton Police Department, captures a 19-month-old child being thrown out of an SUV on to a busy roadway.

Fullerton police described the heart-stopping episode in a post today on Instagram as they continue to investigate the alleged child abuse.

“The SUV immediately stops, nearly causing a traffic collision with the vehicle behind it.”

Other vehicles passing through the intersection can be seen taking evasive action to avoid hitting the infant.

“An adult female is then seen running from the driver’s side of the SUV, picking up the child, and returning to the vehicle before the video ends.”

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Investigators are continuing to probe the incident but suspect it occurred on January 20 thanks to the intel of a witness who came forward days later.

“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.”

Orange County resident Jacqueline Hernandez was later arrested on suspicion of felony child abuse in relation to the video and is being held in custody at Fullerton City Jail.

Police confirmed the 35-year-old is the mother of the toddler involved.

“The child, a 19-month-old, sustained injuries consistent with the fall and was transported to an area hospital for treatment.”

The baby is expected to make a full recovery.

Local authorities are continuing to appeal for more information from members of the public who witnessed the disturbing near-miss.