USC warns campus after student allegedly raped by Lyft driver

LOS ANGELES (KABC) — USC is warning the campus community Wednesday after a student was allegedly raped by a Lyft driver on the way back to her apartment.

According to the university, the attack occurred around 3 a.m. Wednesday. The student took a Lyft ride home from a club in West Hollywood to her home near the University Park campus.

“When they arrived at her apartment, the Lyft driver raped the student in his car,” the university reported in a crime alert.

When reached for comment Wednesday evening, the LAPD and Lyft did not immediately provide further details.

The university ensured that students were aware of the resources available to them Counseling, mental health and sexual violence prevention.

Students told Eyewitness News that receiving the notice came as a shock and made them wary of using rideshare services – for some, an almost everyday aspect of campus life.

“It just surprised me,” USC junior Lisa Eidum said. “I’m usually already afraid of Lyfts. My first choice is to walk. When I heard that, it scared me a little bit because it (increased) my fears about taking Lyft. It definitely causes some anxiety.”

“It’s like you don’t know who they are,” she added. “You don’t know the driver’s background or what his intentions are.”

Sophomore Katherine Lee said she takes Lyfts regularly. She had planned to use the service Wednesday evening, but reconsidered that option after seeing the university’s warning.

“I find it very shocking,” Lee said. “When we think about Lyft, it’s a safe app because there are a lot of safety features. I use the security features all the time.”