NYPD nabs suspect in fatal Chelsea beating when he returns to scene for his phone

A 60-year-old man was beaten to death on a Manhattan street by a much younger attacker who ran off but got arrested when he returned to the crime scene to retrieve his cell phone, police said Monday.

Imani McColley, 25, was charged early Monday with murder and robbery.

The victim, whose name was not immediately released, was bashed in the head during an argument on 8th Ave. near W. 21st St. in Chelsea at 11:10 p.m. Sunday.

Medics rushed the victim to Bellevue Hospital but he could not be saved.

Police say McColley ran off with the victim’s wallet, then returned to the scene a short time later to retrieve his cell phone, at which point at least one witness pointed him out to officers who had responded to the incident.