Bronx Man Charged in Alleged Subway Hijack Attempt

A Bronx man is charged with trying to commandeer a subway train full of passengers — using a screwdriver.

According to the grand jury indictment announced Friday, 42-year-old Richard Arrocho climbed through a window of the motorman's cab and lunged at him with the screwdriver, threatening to kill him.

During the July 22 incident, prosecutors say the men struggled while Arrocho increased the speed of the No. 5 train moving north toward the Jackson Avenue station. The motorman brought the train in safely.

Arrocho faces charges including attempted assault and reckless endangerment

He is to be arraigned next month and is being held on Rikers Island undergoing mental evaluation. Attorney Justine Olderman says her client never intended to hurt the motorman, but "genuinely believed his life was in danger."