Woman Declares Not Guilty in Case Involving Toddler Who Fell from Moving SUV in Fullerton
Mother Pleads Not Guilty After Toddler Falls From SUV in Fullerton
A mother in Orange County faces misdemeanor child abuse charges following an incident in which her toddler fell from a moving SUV. Jacqueline Marie Hernandez, 35, entered a not guilty plea during her arraignment on Thursday in Fullerton.
Hernandez has been ordered to return to court on May 1. A previously issued protective order, requiring her to maintain a distance of five yards from her child, has been modified to allow for supervised visits. However, she is prohibited from operating a vehicle with the child inside.
The events leading to the charges occurred on January 20, at the intersection of North Euclid Street and West Malvern Avenue. Surveillance footage captured the child falling from the passenger side of a black SUV as the driver made a left turn, according to the Fullerton Police Department. The driver stopped, exited the vehicle, and picked up the child from the ground.
The video quickly circulated on social media, prompting a witness to report the incident to local authorities. Initial checks indicated that no immediate reports had been filed with the police. Investigators later identified the vehicle as belonging to Hernandez, leading to her arrest on suspicion of felony child abuse.
Fortunately, the 19-month-old child was transported to a hospital and is expected to recover fully.
As the investigation continues, anyone with additional information is encouraged to reach out to the Fullerton Police Department.
