A California mother has been arrested on child abuse charges after a frightening incident involving her 19-month-old child at a busy intersection, according to Fox News.
According to authorities, the toddler reportedly fell out of the vehicle while it was stopped or moving through a heavily trafficked intersection, immediately drawing concern from witnesses and first responders. Emergency personnel rushed to the scene and the child was taken to a nearby hospital for evaluation. The extent of the child’s injuries has not been fully disclosed, but officials say the child survived the incident.
The suspect, identified as Jacqueline Hernandez, 35, was arrested on suspicion of child abuse and endangerment. Details surrounding how the child was able to exit the vehicle — including whether the child was properly secured — have not been released. Still, investigators emphasized that the situation posed a serious risk to the child’s safety.
Witnesses described the moment as chaotic, with several drivers stopping to help as the child fell onto the roadway. Authorities have not said if additional charges could be filed as the investigation continues.
More information is expected to be released as the investigation develops.
