Singer Chou Ssu-chieh recounts near-fatal abduction in New York

Singer Chou Ssu-chieh recently shared a harrowing account of a life-threatening incident that occurred over 30 years ago while she was performing in New York City. While visiting Chinatown to perform at a nightclub in her 20s, Chou was targeted by a frequent customer.

After her performance ended around 3:00 AM, Chou was forced into a van containing five men. The group drove to a remote, dark area where four of the men left, leaving a single male assailant to attempt to force her to his residence. During the struggle, the man dragged her through the snow and threatened to pull a gun if she continued to scream for help.

Realizing she could not overpower the assailant, Chou employed a psychological strategy of “yielding to overcome.” She feigned a heart condition to catch her breath and eventually pretended to comply with his demands to lower his guard. While walking with the man to build a false sense of rapport, she managed to locate a patrolling police vehicle. She was subsequently rescued by multiple police units.