A mother from La Habra has been arrested on suspicion of child abuse after her 19-month-old child fell from a moving SUV in Fullerton. The incident occurred on January 20, 2024, while the vehicle was making a left turn at the intersection of Malvern Avenue and Euclid Street. According to police, the toddler suffered minor injuries but is expected to make a full recovery.
A video that surfaced online captured the moment when the front passenger door of the black Mercedes-Benz opened, causing the child to fall into the street. The child skidded along the pavement before the SUV and a sedan behind it came to an abrupt stop. A woman, later identified as the child’s mother, exited the vehicle, rushed to the child, picked them up, and returned to the SUV.
Kristy Wells, a spokesperson for the Fullerton Police Department, stated that the department began investigating the incident after seeing the video online. However, the footage did not provide sufficient identifying information to lead officers to the individuals involved.
Four days later, a witness provided crucial information regarding the SUV, which enabled police to locate the vehicle, the mother, and the child depicted in the video. It was noted that the child had not received any medical attention until after the mother was arrested. Following the arrest, the child was taken to a hospital for evaluation and treatment of their injuries.
The incident raises concerns about child safety and the responsibilities of caregivers in ensuring the safety of young passengers. Fullerton police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident, emphasizing the importance of securing children in appropriate car seats to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
As the investigation unfolds, the community remains vigilant about child safety in vehicles. The Fullerton Police Department has encouraged parents to review safety protocols to protect their children during travel.
