Police: Havertown woman abducted and robbed; possibly by Lyft driver

UPPER DARBY, Pa. (WPVI) -- Police say a Havertown woman who vanished during a ride from Philadelphia was abducted and robbed, and the suspect may have been a driver from the ride-sharing service Lyft.

Brittney Lough, 31, is now home and safe, police say.

Police say she was celebrating a birthday with her sister in Philadelphia and they were picked up around 4 a.m. Wednesday.

According to investigators, the women used the Lyft app to summon the ride. Police say the women told investigators they had been drinking heavily.

It remains unclear if it was actually a Lyft driver who picked them up. The women climbed into the vehicle and the driver began taking them back home.

During the ride, police say they stopped at the Sunoco gas station located at 8203 West Chester Pike in Upper Darby.

The driver allegedly asked Lough's sister to go inside and get him some water so he could take his medication.

She went into the store, but police say when she returned the driver, vehicle and Lough were gone.

Police say the driver took Lough into Olney, then demanded her money, phone and other valuables.

The driver allegedly then took the items by force, then threw her out of the car.

Lough then called police from a nearby store and was picked up and interviewed by Philadelphia police.

Officers then returned her home late Wednesday morning. She was not injured.

Her father, Bill Lough, said he is just grateful his daughter is okay.

"I can breathe again, and my whole family can breathe again," he said. "I can't tell you what went through my head all morning," Lough said.

Lyft officials released a statement on Wednesday reading, "We have searched our system and there does not appear to be a Lyft ride matching the time, location or vehicle description provided in these reports. We have been in touch with law enforcement and will continue to assist in their investigation."

The suspect is described as a black male with some type of accent, police say. He is believed to be between 25 and 30 years old.

The vehicle is described as a black, four door car, possibly a Nissan.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Philadelphia police

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