- An Amazon delivery driver, Joshua Gonzalez, was caught on camera taking a family's cat from their porch in Bakersfield, California.
- The cat's owner, Brenda Wilson, identified the animal as her pet Junie, whom she has owned for five years.
- Gonzalez claims the cat belongs to his family, citing matching markings and previous adoption records.
- Amazon confirmed Gonzalez is no longer employed as a delivery driver and is cooperating with the investigation.
- The case remains open as authorities determine the true ownership of the cat amidst conflicting claims.
BAKERSFIELD, CALIFORNIA — Days after a California cardiologist was sentenced in a deadly hit-and-run case, another unusual dispute in the state is drawing attention. This time, an Amazon delivery driver caught on camera taking a family's cat now claims the animal was actually his own missing pet.
Joshua Gonzalez became the focus of an investigation after doorbell camera footage showed him picking up a cat from a Bakersfield home's front porch and walking away with it after completing a delivery.
Video Sparks Investigation
The footage quickly spread online and led to criticism of Gonzalez after the cat's owner, Brenda Wilson, identified the animal as her beloved pet, Junie.
Wilson said she had owned the cat for approximately five years and was shocked when she saw the video.
Authorities opened an investigation into the incident, though no criminal charges have been filed.
Driver Claims Cat Belonged to His Family
Gonzalez has since offered a different explanation.
According to Gonzalez, he immediately recognized the cat while delivering a package.
He said the animal matched a family pet that had previously gone missing.
"I knew it was my cat," Gonzalez told local media.
Gonzalez said he identified the animal based on its markings, facial features, and overall appearance.
He later produced adoption records showing he obtained a cat in October 2025 and said the pet was originally intended for his 7-year-old daughter.
Employment Consequences
Following the incident, Gonzalez said he was contacted by his employer and informed he would no longer be working as a delivery driver.
Amazon later confirmed that Gonzalez is no longer permitted to deliver packages on behalf of the company.
The company also stated that it is cooperating with investigators and would defer to law enforcement regarding the ongoing case.
Dispute Over Cat's Identity
At the center of the case is a disagreement over whether the cat belongs to Wilson or Gonzalez.
Wilson maintains the cat is Junie, a pet she has cared for over several years.
Gonzalez disputes that claim and says the animal belongs to his family.
He also stated that his family never officially settled on a name for the cat, though they had been considering the name Spartan.
According to Gonzalez, the cat is currently living with his family and appears comfortable in the home.
Investigation Remains Open
Authorities have not publicly determined ownership of the animal.
Investigators continue reviewing evidence related to the dispute.
The sheriff's office confirmed the case remains active, and officials have not ruled out additional action depending on the outcome of the investigation.
For now, both sides continue to claim ownership of the cat as authorities work to determine who is telling the truth.
To view more unusual crime cases and investigations caught on camera, check out our video here:
