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Man whose dog was stolen in a car at a gas station got a ‘Christmas miracle’ — when his pet returned just 15 minutes later on its own

He later realized it could have been far worse for the dog, who was in the car during the chase, while three police cars were wrecked.

BY PAHUL NANRA

PUBLISHED 19 HOURS AGO

(L) Vintage car at gas station. (R) Man hugging dog. (Representative Cover Image Source: Getty Images | (L) MaboHH, (R) Nevena 1987)

A simple trip to a gas station to grab an energy drink became an unforgettable moment for a dog parent. North Carolina man, Joshua Carter, stepped inside the Circle K at Independence and Carolina Beach Road to grab an energy drink, thinking it would take only a minute. But when he returned outside, his car was gone, along with his dog, Leftie, who was still inside. The sudden disappearance on Friday, November 28, 2025, left him worried for his pet and uncertain about what would happen next.

Outside of a gas station - Representative Image Source: Pexels | Alfin Auzikri — Outside of a gas station. (Representative Image Source: Pexels | Alfin Auzikri)

As reported by WECT on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, the incident began at 3:50 p.m. when Carter returned to his car after a quick trip inside the gas station to find it missing with his pup. “The game plan was to go to the gas station, just to grab an energy drink. I was in and out of the store in a minute, maybe less,” he shared. Shocked and worried, he immediately called 911 to report the stolen vehicle. Wilmington police then quickly located the SUV on the road, which led to a police chase over the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge and into Brunswick County. During the tense pursuit, Carter stayed on the phone with a police officer, anxiously hoping for Leftie’s safety. “If someone is willing to steal your car, what are they going to do to my dog? That was my main thought,” he expressed.

Police officer responding to emergency call. (Representative Image Source: Getty Images| Photo by kali9) — Police officer responding to emergency call. (Representative Image Source: Getty Images | Photo by kali9)

Then, against all odds, Leftie made his way back to the gas station on his own about 15 minutes later. Carter recalled the moment, saying, “I’m on the phone with my mom, talking to the police officer, and it was like a scene out of a movie. I see him coming around the trees.” He believes the dog was likely tossed from the SUV somewhere along Carolina Beach Road but returned safely. Carter later realized it could have ended much worse for Leftie, who had been inside the car during the chase, especially since the vehicle was destroyed. It was also reported that three police cars were wrecked in the process of the pursuit. Despite the stressful ordeal, Carter felt immense relief. “To have him back is a miracle. That’s my Christmas miracle this year,” he said.

A young man hugging a dog (Representative Image Source: Pexels | Photo by Alena Darmel) — A young man hugging a dog. (Representative Image Source: Pexels | Photo by Alena Darmel)

The aftermath left Carter without the car he relied on for his work as a personal trainer. With his livelihood impacted, a GoFundMe has been launched to help him get back on track. It was also revealed that the driver, Noah Jackson, had a criminal history spanning nearly 10 years. Jackson is now facing multiple charges, including possession of a stolen vehicle, first-degree kidnapping, and larceny of a dog. According to WHSV, police also reported that a passenger, identified as Kerry Korff, was involved but later released on bond. Jackson remains in custody on a $200,000 secured bond, with a court appearance scheduled for December 18, 2025.