[Bumblemus]

96-Year-Old N.J. Man Surviving Behind Bars
Elderly Inmate Thought Prison 'Would Be Worse Than This'

(CBS) MIDDLESEX, N.J. Charlie Uzar has been arrested, convicted, and is doing time behind bars and barbed wire -- locked up in jail like a common criminal. Uzar, however, isn't like the other inmates at the Middlesex County Jail. What makes him different?

He's 96 years old.

"I never thought I would have this experience in my lifetime," Uzar told CBS station WCBS-TV.

Uzar, a former professional trumpet player, is sitting in jail for committing several traffic violations, including leaving the scene of an accident after hitting a pedestrian -- an accident he says he doesn't remember happening. He was sentenced to 69 days in jail.

"I felt like I wouldn't be able to handle this. I felt suicidal. I didn't want to live in this world," he said. "I thought it would be worse than this."

Turns out jail ain't half bad. Uzar isn't spending his time in a cell, but rather he bunks in the old library near an officer. He is under minimum security, and the other much younger inmates actually look out for the widower.

"I believe a lot of the inmates who get the papers and everything were following his story, and he's sort of like a cult hero here," Capt. Michael Skarzynsky of the Middlesex County Jail said.

And Uzar appreciates the company. "[They're a] bunch of nice guys. I'm one of the boys now," he said. "They call me 'Pops.' I told them, 'please call me Charlie. When you call me 'Pops' I feel like an old man!'"

Unlike other inmates who celebrate their freedom with a celebration, Uzar says the first thing he's going to do when he gets out is make his favorite breakfast. "I'm gonna make a kielbasi omelet. I made that every morning," he said.

Uzar could be back in the kitchen earlier than expected. Jail officials are now considering letting him out 30 days early for work and good behavior.

As for his license, the judge took away Uzar's license to drive permanently. WCBS-TV contacted Judge Spencer Robbins to find out why he voided the bond and placed him in jail, but he said he cannot comment on the case.