Passengers Help Overpower Would-Be Bus Hijacker

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) _ Passengers overpowered a man who tried to hijack a Greyhound bus on the Turner Turnpike early Tuesday. <br><br>The bus driver called troopers on a cell phone about 12:25 a.m. and said

Tuesday, October 16th 2001, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) _ Passengers overpowered a man who tried to hijack a Greyhound bus on the Turner Turnpike early Tuesday.

The bus driver called troopers on a cell phone about 12:25 a.m. and said a passenger, identified as Andrew Vlahos, was trying to take control of the bus, Oklahoma Highway Patrol Lt. Chris West said.

The passengers then subdued the man, West said.

``Apparently he ran up to the front of the bus, grabbed the steering wheel and started telling the bus driver to pump the brakes and stop,'' West said.

``The bus driver pushed him back, and then four other people wrestled him and subdued him.''

The driver then stopped the bus and Vlahos was held for authorities.

Troopers believed Vlahos was a mental patient and turned him over to an Oklahoma County deputy, said West.

Vlahos was then taken to an Oklahoma City hospital where he was admitted in fair condition.

No charges were filed charges against him, according to West.

The bus continued on to Tulsa following the incident.