Skip to Content
News

USC Student Allegedly Raped by Lyft Driver on Halloween Night

“Based on the information available at this time, we have not identified a report or ride matching the description and can’t confirm it involved the Lyft platform,” a spokesperson for Lyft told L.A. TACO on Thursday.

An investigation was continuing today into an alleged rape of a University of Southern California (USC) student by a Lyft driver outside of her apartment near the University Park campus.

The alleged assault occurred at around 3 AM on Wednesday morning in the 3600 block of South Grand Avenue, according to the USC Department of Public Safety.

“A female student took a Lyft ride from a club in West Hollywood to her apartment near the University Park Campus,'' the DPS said in a crime alert. “When they arrived at her apartment, the Lyft driver raped the student in his car.''

The vehicle was described as a black sedan. The suspect was described as about 25 to 35-years-old, with black hair, a black beard, and a thin build.

The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) confirmed that on November 1, “Newton Division officers responded to investigate an alleged sexual assault,” in a statement to L.A. TACO. 

“The preliminary investigation indicates that the victim was in another part of Los Angeles when she contracted a rideshare service to get home,” LAPD Officer Drake Madison said in an email. “At some point during this interaction she was sexually assaulted. The victim is reported to be a student at the University of Southern California although the incident does not have any correlation to the campus or campus safety.”

“Based on the information available at this time, we have not identified a report or ride matching the description and can’t confirm it involved the Lyft platform,” a spokesperson for Lyft told L.A. TACO on Thursday.

"Our thoughts are with the victim and this has no place in society,” the spokesperson said. “We have reached out to law enforcement and stand ready to assist with their investigation.”

City News Service contributed to this report.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from L.A. TACO

This Crispy Honduran Fried Chicken Is Harvard Heights’ Juiciest Hidden Secret

Tucked away in a strip mall on Western Avenue, this spot serves crispy Honduran fried chicken that’s juicy and bursting with flavor. Served with tajadas and chimol-topped cabbage, it’s a must-try for L.A.'s fried chicken-obsessed.

May 20, 2025

Punk Icon Shawn Stern On the World’s Best Underground Scene (and Surviving Slam Dancing in the Desert)

We caught up with Shawn Stern on the day after Youth Brigade played first show in five years with all three brothers in the lineup again. To get his insights on the how L.A. became—and continues to be—the epicenter of underground punk rock, and practical tips for surviving the chaos and camaraderie of Punk Rock Bowling this weekend in downtown Las Vegas.

May 20, 2025

The Giant Taco Hiding Under The 10 Freeway

This giant rolled taco challenges your preconceived definitions of what a taco is and is not.

The 11 Best Birria Tacos in Los Angeles

From goat to beef to birria de lengua, and even a jackfruit birria, these are the best birria tacos in L.A.

Six Musical Legends You Forgot Are From South L.A.

While the world may be familiar with the South Los Angeles roots of Dr. Dre, Serena Williams, Kendrick, and Flo-Jo, numerous musical legends people forget come from the city's heart. That’s why L.A. TACO is here to remind you of some musical legends from South L.A. 

May 16, 2025

‘Deportation Set Me Free:’ Deported Influencer Is Building Community and Thriving In Mexico

"I view the U.S. as a golden cage with many of our immigrant brothers and sisters trapped inside a system out of fear of the unknown in their home countries," says Anni Garcia, an influencer who has been documenting herself thriving in Jalisco.  

May 16, 2025
See all posts