A Lakewood, California, family is pleading for the return of their 6-year-old Siamese mix, Piper, after home-security footage appears to show an Amazon delivery driver pick up the cat and carry her away while dropping off a package, and during the holiday season, no less.
The footage — recorded by a Ring camera at the family’s Hazelbrook Avenue home — has been widely shared online and prompted an investigation by Amazon and a theft report with local law enforcement.
According to homeowner Diane Huff-Medina, the incident happened on December 11, 2025, at about 6:15 p.m. The clip shows a delivery worker approach Huff-Medina’s front door, drop off a box, and take a photo of the delivery.
“I had to rewatch it a couple of times”
The driver then appears to pet Piper, described as friendly and prone to approach strangers, before grabbing the cat — reportedly by the scruff — and carrying her to a vehicle.
Huff-Medina told local news outlet, KABC, “I thought he was just petting her for a second, but yeah … I had to rewatch it a couple of times because it is hard to see, it’s dark, and he doesn’t carry her very nicely. I see her little tail and I was like, ‘Oh my God.’ I couldn’t believe what I was seeing.” According to Huff-Medina, Piper attempted to bite the driver and meowed in distress as he carried her away.
Once she saw the footage, Huff-Medina said she immediately contacted the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and filed a report. An investigator told her they would follow up, but that it could take weeks. Amazon acknowledged the situation and confirmed it has identified the driver in its internal review.
However, both the company and Huff-Medina say they have not yet been able to make contact with him to determine his side of the story or clarify what happened. What’s known for certain is that Piper the housecat is missing. An Amazon spokesperson directed reporters to the third-party partner program that employs the driver.
“Please bring her back”
The Ring footage has spread across social media platforms, where users flagged the clip and urged anyone with information to come forward. Social shares and local Facebook groups amplified the post within hours, helping the story reach local stations and national outlets. Officials have not released the driver’s name, and there is no public information yet on whether criminal charges will be sought.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Lakewood Sheriff’s Station. Media organizations covering the case have sought comment from Amazon and the local sheriff’s office; at the time of reporting, Amazon had acknowledged the probe but gave no further detail.
Huff-Medina told CBS News, “Please bring her back. That’s all I want out of this. I just want my cat back for myself and for my kids, especially. I have three little boys who love her. We want her back.”
Published: Dec 16, 2025 02:43 pm