WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) – Friday, Nov. 28, was supposed to be a normal day for Joshua Carter.
“It was 3:50 in the afternoon, there were people outside,” said Carter. “The game plan was to go to the gas station, just to grab an energy drink.”
When Carter walked inside the Circle K gas station at the intersection of Independence and Carolina Beach Road, plans changed.
“Grabbed an energy drink, went straight to the self-checkout,” he said. “I was in and out of the store in a minute, maybe less.”
When Carter got outside, though, his car was gone with his dog, Leftie, inside.
“If someone is willing to steal your car, what are they going to do to my dog? That was my main thought,” he said.
Carter says he immediately called 911 and reported it stolen. Wilmington police say shortly after, they found the vehicle on the road.
That’s when officials say a police chase started across the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge and into Brunswick County.
Meanwhile, at the gas station, something Carter calls a miracle.
“I’m on the phone with my mom, talking to the police officer, and it was like a scene out of a movie,” he said. “I see him coming around the trees.”
Leftie somehow made his way back to Carter at the gas station on his own, about 15 minutes later.
“I highly doubt they came to a stop to let him out gingerly,” said Carter. “I’m assuming they tossed him out somewhere on Carolina Beach Road.”
When Carter watches the video, he realizes it could’ve been much worse had Leftie stayed in the SUV.
The alleged driver, according to police, is Noah Jackson. Jackson stood in front of a judge on Monday at the New Hanover County Courthouse and faces a long list of charges.
RELATED: Wilmington police identify suspect in multi-county car chase involving stolen dog
In the courtroom, attorneys brought up his extensive criminal record dating back nearly 10 years.
And thanks to his actions, Carter’s car is now totaled, leaving him without transportation and with a painful lesson.
“If you’re out and about, don’t leave your car running, don’t leave it unlocked. Please stay diligent and be aware,” said Carter.
Luckily, Carter is also still left with Leftie by his side.
“To have him back is a miracle. That’s my Christmas miracle this year,” he said.
Carter also recently started his own business as a personal trainer and used his car to get equipment to and from his clients’ homes.
If you’re interested in helping, you can click here to find his GoFundMe.
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