A delivery driver for Amazon was caught on video taking a family’s cherished cat from their doorstep, claiming it was his lost pet.
Joshua Gonzalez, the driver involved in this incident, said he first noticed the cat, known as Junie, while delivering a package in Bakersfield.
“I was just doing my usual deliveries. I picked up a package and then noticed the cat,” Gonzalez explained.
Upon hearing a meow, he looked down and instantly recognized the animal.
“I knew it was my cat because of the unique pattern on its forehead and its eyes. There was no doubt, so I picked it up and walked away,” he said.
After the event, Gonzalez provided documents proving the cat legally belonged to him, with an adoption date marked for October 9, 2025, specifically chosen for his 7-year-old daughter.
He also showed these records to his employer following the incident.
Gonzalez shared, “My manager called me, told me I needed to pick up my check by Monday or Tuesday, and mentioned I’d be fired.”
In response, Amazon confirmed that he would no longer be allowed to deliver packages for them.
“We’ve spoken with the driver’s employer and confirmed that he’s not permitted to deliver on our behalf. We’re also coordinating with law enforcement, deferring to their investigation for further details.”
This clarification surfaced after doorbell footage revealed the driver taking the cat after making the delivery.
The situation has stirred debate about the cat’s true ownership.
Gonzalez remarked that the family hadn’t officially named the cat, leaning toward the name Spartan, insisting that it wasn’t Junie.
He mentioned that the cat is back home and shared a recent photo of it at their place.
“She’s settled in now. All of her toys are there, and she seems happy and recognizes me. Now it’s just about his word versus hers,” he noted.
Brenda Wilson, who claims to have owned Junie for five years, continues to contest Gonzalez’s assertions.
Wilson acknowledged that Gonzalez once lived in her neighborhood.
Despite the unfavorable footage, Gonzalez maintains that he genuinely thought he had found his pet.
“I didn’t mean any harm, but please return the cat. It’s back where it should be,” he stated.
Interestingly, he added, “It’s like I was looking for my cat – I got my cat back while you were looking for yours.”
No criminal charges have been pressed against Gonzalez yet; however, the sheriff’s office mentioned that the case is still open and ongoing investigations continue into the dispute.
