A Lakewood, Calif., family is asking for the safe return of their pet after Ring doorbell footage appeared to show an Amazon delivery driver taking their cat during a package drop-off earlier this month.
The incident occurred on the evening of Dec. 10 at a home on Hazelbrook Avenue. Video captured by the family’s Ring camera shows an Amazon driver delivering a package and taking a proof-of-delivery photo before noticing Piper, the family’s 6-year-old Siamese cat, near the front door.
In the footage, the driver is seen petting Piper and then attempting to pick her up. When the cat resists, the driver allegedly grabs her by the scruff of the neck and carries her toward his delivery van. The video is dark due to low lighting, but Piper’s tail is visible as she is taken away.
Homeowner Diane Huff-Medina said she was shocked when she later reviewed the footage. “I thought he was just petting her for a second,” she told reporters. “I had to rewatch it a couple of times because it’s hard to see. When I noticed her little tail, I realized what was happening. I couldn’t believe it.”
Huff-Medina described Piper as a beloved member of the family, particularly to her three young sons. “Please bring her back,” she said. “That’s all I want. I just want my cat back for myself and for my kids.”
The incident was reported to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department on Dec. 15. As of Dec. 16, no arrests or charges have been announced, and Piper remains missing.
Amazon confirmed it has identified the driver involved and launched an internal investigation. The company stated that it informed the family of the driver’s identity but has so far been unable to make contact with him. No further updates have been released.
The story has garnered widespread attention online and has been reported by several outlets, prompting renewed discussion about pet safety during home deliveries and calls for accountability.
While incidents of this nature are considered rare, law enforcement data show that reports of pet theft in the U.S. increased in 2024, with some cases occurring during routine stops, such as deliveries.
For now, the Huff-Medina family says its sole focus is bringing Piper home safely.
