Cops nab man accused of raping elderly woman in Central Park

Three cops nabbed a homeless man Wednesday night who they believe raped and robbed a 73-year-old woman in broad daylight earlier that day in Central Park, officials said Thursday.

David Albert Mitchell, 42, was arrested a few blocks away from where he allegedly raped and beat up the elderly bird-watcher, who may have snapped photos of him masturbating in the park last week, cops said. The officers caught him walking on Amsterdam Avenue between 77th and 78th Streets at around 7:20 p.m. Wednesday, after realizing he fit the victim's description and surveillance photos.

Mitchell allegedly confronted the woman before the assault Wednesday morning, asking "Do you remember me?" according to NYU writing professor Eric Ozawa, who found the battered woman and called 911. The woman told Ozawa that Mitchell had swiped her bag, which had her camera in it.

The alleged perv, who has an extensive criminal history, spent eight years in jail after pleading guilty to an abduction in Virginia, records show. His last known address was in Henrico, Va., police said. Mitchell had reportedly been arraigned Thursday night, but his lawyer's name was unavailable at press time.