This heart-stopping footage shows the moment a toddler was launched out of a moving car, with the child narrowly avoiding being hit by a motorist.
A mother has now been arrested after the video of her child’s exit from the vehicle, forcing other drivers to slam on the brakes, emerged.
Jacqueline Hernandez can be seen rushing out of her SUV to pick up her toddler, who is right in front of the car behind, before fleeing the scene.
READ MORE: Stranded Brit rescued on top of UK’s highest mountain by marines
The shocking footage was captured between 8am and 9am on 20 January, as reported by Need To Know.
The 19-month old toddler suffered injuries after landing in the middle of the road.
The footage shows the child falling from the passenger side door of a black SUV.
Two cars driving behind the 35-year-old fortunately come to an abrupt stop.
Hernandez, the 35-year-old mother, has since been arrested on suspicion of child abuse.
The video was taken at an intersection in Fullerton in California, USA.
The Fullerton Police Department confirmed on 26 Jan that Hernandez, from La Habra, Orange County, California, had been arrested.
Her child, who was discovered with injuries consistent with the fall, was rushed to hospital and is expected to make a full recovery.
A spokesperson for Fullerton Police Department stated: “In the video, a black SUV is seen making an eastbound turn onto W. Malvern Ave. from southbound N. Euclid St.
“As the vehicle enters the intersection and completes the turn, the front passenger door opens and a small child falls to the ground and into the roadway.
“The SUV immediately stops, nearly causing a traffic collision with the vehicle behind it. 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.
“On January 24, 2026, a witness came forward and reported observing the incident.
“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.
“Officers located the vehicle, the child, and the female involved in the incident seen in the video.
“The female, identified as Jacqueline Hernandez, a 35-year-old resident of La Habra and the child’s mother, was placed under arrest and booked at the Fullerton City Jail for felony child abuse.”
READ MORE: Knifeman jailed for attempted murder of tattooist over ‘botched’ inking
