BAKERSFIELD, CA – An Amazon delivery driver caught on camera taking a family’s beloved cat from a doorstep now claims the animal was actually his own missing pet.
The Viral Incident
The dispute began after doorbell camera footage went viral, showing a delivery driver picking up a cat named Junie from a local porch and walking away after dropping off a package.
The driver, identified as Joshua Gonzalez, admits to taking the animal during his regular route in Bakersfield but maintains he did nothing wrong. “I recognized it was my cat because of its distinct forehead design, the eyes, and how the body was set,” Gonzalez told KGET News.
Driver Terminated by Amazon
Following the incident, Gonzalez was promptly fired. Amazon confirmed in an official statement that the driver is no longer permitted to deliver packages on behalf of the company, adding that they are cooperating fully with local law enforcement.
Gonzalez claims he has already provided adoption paperwork to his employer dating back to October 9, 2025, proving he originally bought the cat for his 7-year-old daughter. He insists the cat’s name is not Junie, but “Spartan,” and that the feline is now safely back at his home.
Ownership Dispute Continues
The resident, Brenda Wilson, strongly disputes Gonzalez’s claims, stating she has raised Junie for five years. Interestingly, Wilson confirmed that Gonzalez used to live in her immediate neighborhood, adding another layer to the ownership battle.
“I didn’t do anything bad, but get my cat back,” Gonzalez stated, acknowledging that the video looks bad but calling it a case of “his word versus hers.”
Police Investigation
The Kern County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that the case remains an open investigation. As of Monday, no criminal charges have been filed against Gonzalez as authorities work to verify the conflicting ownership claims.
