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In a case raising serious concerns about how easily rideshare services like Uber can be used to transport minors without effective safeguards, a 19-year-old Philadelphia man has been arrested and charged with kidnapping and sexual assault after allegedly using Uber to transport a 13-year-old girl from Westmoreland County in Western Pennsylvania to his residence in Philadelphia, NBC 10 Philadelphia reported Friday. According to the Westmoreland County District Attorney’s Office, Angel Lopez made contact with the girl through TikTok, where they exchanged messages over the course of four days.
Authorities say Lopez persuaded the girl to leave a note for her family indicating she had run away and instructed her not to communicate with anyone. He then arranged for an Uber to pick her up in Greensburg, Pennsylvania, and transport her to his apartment on Ogontz Street in Philadelphia.
Law enforcement alleges that once the girl arrived, she was instructed to shut off her cellphone. Investigators say Lopez then provided substances that impaired her ability to consent and proceeded to commit acts that led to serious charges being filed. Following the incident, she was reportedly told to clean up in an attempt to remove evidence.
The girl was reported missing on March 14, and Greensburg police used cellphone data to locate her near Lopez’s apartment. She was able to escape after hearing someone in the hallway and was located shortly after by the Philadelphia Police Department. A search warrant was executed at Lopez’s apartment, and he was arrested on March 27.
Lopez now faces charges including kidnapping a minor, trafficking, and sexual offenses involving a person under 16. Officials confirmed that the girl has since returned home safely and is receiving support.
In a statement, the girl’s mother expressed deep anguish over the incident, stating, “I hate him so bad, he took the innocence of my daughter.” She added that it’s easy for young girls to be manipulated online, especially when they are going through emotional or developmental changes.
Westmoreland County District Attorney Nicole Ziccarelli urged parents to stay vigilant: “We need to be vigilant and monitor who our children are talking to and what apps are downloaded on their devices. I applaud the local and state agencies involved who acted swiftly to bring this victim safely home and are pursuing justice to hold Mr. Lopez accountable.”
Although Uber’s policy prohibits unaccompanied minors from using the platform, enforcement remains a challenge, leaving vulnerable children at risk when predators exploit gaps in the system.
To learn more about Uber sexual assault litigation, visit our comprehensive coverage page here.
