2006 Ford Escape fuel system problems

My friend borrowed my 06 ford escape, which had not shown any mechanical issues. Shortly after getting on the interstate hwy, the gas pedal stuck to the floor and rapidly excellerated to 85 MPH plus, without warning. It is a 6 lane hwy and was saturday. Putting the vehicle in neutral and using both the brake and the e brake, while trying to maneuver traffic to get to the shoulder, as a tractor trailer rig was barreling by unaware. This was an extremely dangerous situation. It is miraculous that no one was hurt.

When I take off from a dead stop at times the gas pedal will stick. It feels as if I'm stepping on to a block of wood. I will continue to press on the gas pedal. Having to press rather hard, on to the pedal almost stomping on it. For it to finally 'release'. But now the problem seems to be getting worse. Now I will be driving (vehicle in motion) and the gas pedal will stick. It varies with the speed, so I can't pin it onto a specific speed limit.